Has developed this year
Sanjeev Gupta is still the only person to have publicly expressed an interest in buying the plants.
On the same day, Tata agrees to sell its Long Products business, which includes Scunthorpe steel works, to Greybull Capital.
Also on this day, Business Secretary Sajid Javid tells MPs the UK Government is prepared to consider “co-investing” with a buyer to save the Port Talbot steelworks.
APRIL 13
As reports suggest that Tata has extended its deadline for the sale of its UK business to May 28, a Twitter campaign is launched encouraging people to show their support for UK steel makers by taking a selfie with something made of steel and using the hashtag #steelself
APRIL 15
A report by a Cambridge University professor suggests saving Tata’s UK steel plants will require up to £2bn in Government support.
APRIL 18
Tata appoints a new UK head. Bimlendra Jha takes over as chief executive after leading the monthslong divestment process that ended with the sale of Tata’s Long Products business to Greybull Capital.
APRIL 19
News emerges of an employeemanagement buyout led by Stuart Wilkie, managing director of Tata Strip Products UK.
APRIL 20
Tata says it is exploring interest in its UK steel business from 190 potential financial and industrial investors worldwide but says it will not comment on the identity of any bidders.
APRIL 21
Sir Terry Matthews announces he has given his backing in principle to the Port Talbot steel works employee-management buyout plan. The leader of the bid, which also involves Stuart Wilkie, is revealed as Roger Maggs, chair of the Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid says the UK Government would make hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of support available to buyers of Tata’s steel plants and could take a 25% equity stake in the business.
APRIL 24
The team behind the employeemanagement buyout plan announce they have set up a company called Excalibur Steel UK.
APRIL 25
Tata gives Stuart Wilkie temporary leave of absence to allow him to work on the employeemanagement buyout.
APRIL 26
Prime Minister David Cameron makes a surprise visit to Port Talbot steelworks to talk to managers and workers there.