US workers call for GKN probe

WORKERS in the US have urged authorities to investigate Melrose’s potential takeover of engineer GKN on national security grounds.

Stephen Hanson, staff chairman from the union International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, told the US Committee on Foreign Investment in the US of the union’s ‘deep concern’ over the bid.

GKN’s aerospace division has major defence contracts in the US, including work on the joint US-UK strike fighter and B-21 stealth bomber.

The battle for GKN is nearing its final stages after takeover specialist Melrose made a full and final offer on Monday of £8.1bn, rejected by GKN’s board as too cheap.