Germany close to deal on nationalizing gas firm Uniper

BERLIN (AP) — German natural gas importer Uniper says it’s in “final discussions” with the government on a deal for Berlin to take a majority stake. The move announced Tuesday would ramp up a rescue deal agreed to in July as its losses mount following cutbacks in supplies of Russian natural gas. Uniper said the amended bailout package would feature a capital increase to the tune of 8 billion euros. The money would come from the government, which also would acquire the majority stake now held by Finland-based Fortum. The government put together the initial rescue package after Russia’s cuts to natural gas supplies forced Uniper to buy gas at far higher prices on the market to fulfill its supply contracts.