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Lloyds Share Offer - Register for updates on privatisation

Bats UK Wednesday 7 October 1: Should you register to buy? Tens of thousands have registered interest in buying Lloyds shares Source: Investors have been sent into a frenzy by government plans to sell off its remaining shares in Lloyds Banking Group next spring.

Since the news broke, 62, people have already registered for the chance to buy up shares at a discount.

But fear not, there is plenty of time. Read on for our guide to the Lloyds share sale.

The Labour government bought up 43 per cent of Lloyds Bank during the financial crisis, preventing its collapse. The Conservatives have slowly been offloading this stake, and the government currently owns around 12 per cent of the bank. Next spring it will sell down the rest.

The date has not been set, as this depends on market conditions. But the Lloyds sale is landmark for two reasons. First, because it shows the government believes the bank is ready to stand on its own two feet, without state support.

Second, it will be the biggest privatisation in 20 years. It follows the sale of the Royal Mail last year, when the government was criticised for selling off the business too cheaply. Because Lloyds is already publicly listed, its shares have been valued by the market at 77p each as of 6 October. This means it is not going to be mis-priced — although some will question the timing of the sale. As another bonus, the government has said it will give one free share for every 10 bought — after the shares are held for a year.

How to invest in discount Lloyds shares - Telegraph

Anyone interested can register at www. Applications can also be submitted by post. Shares will then be allocated on a lottery basis.

The shares that are being offered are already in circulation, they are just owned by the government.

So this share sale will not dilute the pool of shares.

Lloyds bank share sale: , register on government website | Business | The Guardian

Given that the shares are being sold at a 5 per cent discount, there will likely be investors who buy in, wait a short time, and then sell out to lock in a profit. Indeed, many UK fund managers have been talking up the merits of the listed banks, and are buying up shares in anticipation of greater dividends in future. Before the financial crisis, banks were among the biggest dividend payers in the market, and many investors hope they will return to their former glory. Many experts have been positive about the prospects for Lloyds.

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