German minister: We must prevent sale or break-up of our key firms

Germany must protect its economic structure during the coronavirus crisis and prevent the sell-off or break-up of key companies, Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht told the Handelsblatt business daily. "It is imperative that we protect the economic structure of our country during the crisis and prevent the sale or break-up of important companies," Lambrecht said.

"To this end, the state is prepared to take stakes in companies, even partially or fully, if this should become necessary," she added. (Writing by Paul Carrel Editing by Michelle Martin)