Principles and power

I find it amazing that Uffe Ellemann-Jensen is ready to say that he would recommend saying “no” to any attempt to sell the editorial business to anyone [Principles and power: an inquiry]. I really wonder if he has thought about what he is saying. If he sticks to his guns that business is now unsaleable to any third party. I wonder if anyone has told Jim Smith? 

Regarding the sale to Thomson, the Trustees were in an awkward situation. If they said no they would have very likely have put the company in “play” to other bidders, possibly opening the way to a break-up. Then, and now, the Trustees would have needed an alternative to offer - it’s not enough just to say “no” without having a better idea. ■