The UK government is considering initiating a multi-billion pound sale of NatWest shares, reminiscent of the 'Tell Sid' privatizations from the 1980s, with plans to launch as early as June.

This retail offer, designed for ordinary investors, may precede an autumn general election. Currently, the government retains a 36% ownership stake in NatWest since rescuing it during the financial crisis.

The Treasury has been gradually divesting its stake, and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in November the government's intention to 'explore options' for a retail share offer. The goal is to fully dispose of the stake by 2025/26, simultaneously rekindling public interest in investing.

The Sunday Times reported that the government has enlisted a market research company to assess public sentiment, along with issuing tenders to PR firms and advertising agencies for the share sale launch. The shares are expected to be priced at a discount to enhance their appeal to the public. June, post-NatWest's first-quarter results in April and prior to its half-year results in July, is seen as a likely date for the sell-off.

A government spokesman emphasized that the share sale's timing is contingent on market conditions and achieving value for money. Further details will be disclosed "at the appropriate time." Photo by welshbabe, Wikimedia commons.