11.   At the time, the Astrup family had more assets that any institution in Norway, except the state itself.

12.   But Sri said that the assets have to be sold to foreign investors due to the downturn in the domestic market.

13.   In many cases, he said, seized assets had to be returned after their owners mounted legal challenges.

14.   State negotiators said acquiring utility assets had to be a key feature of any deal to help the utilities out of their fiscal crisis.

15.   He said state assets had to be restructured, but accused the government of reneging on a promise to consult with COSATU in the restructuring process.