United Utilities Takeover Bid in 2012 Is Seen as Unlikely

United Utilities Group Plc, Britain’s biggest publicly traded water company, is unlikely to receive a takeover bid this year as the U.K. considers changes to the way inflation is calculated, according to analysts.

United Utilities’ stock has gained 6.5 percent and rose six of the past seven trading days amid reports in the U.K. press that speculated about the possibility of a breakup bid. Publications including the Guardian cited potential investors such as the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Abu Dhabi funds, China Investment Corp. and KKR & Co.