Swedish premier welcomes bids in big sell-off

The new centre-right government in Sweden prepares to embark on the initial phase of sell-offs of stakes in banking, telecommmunications and airlines. The government hopes to raise SEK150bn ($21.8bn, €16.6bn, £11.2bn) in the first three years of the disposal programme. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said foreign investors were welcome to take part in the asset sales that are set to clear the way for one of the most significant periods of corporate restructuring in recent Swedish history