The Netherlands’ biggest energy firm Essent and Germany’s RWE are holding talks in an effort to win support for the Dutch firm’s €9.3bn takeover, the Volkskrant reports on Tuesday.

The province of Noord-Brabant, which owns 30% of Essent’s shares, is set to formally reject the deal on May 12, after a majority of councillors voted against.
In particular, Labour provincial councillors are concerned about RWE’s lack of commitment to developing sustainable energy sources.
Essent insiders told the Volkskrant they believe a new agreement on green energy with RWE can sway Noord-Brabant in favour of the takeover.