History[edit]

The corporation was established by the First Wilson ministry in 1966^[1] with the objective of encouraging mergers to make British industries more competitive.^[2] Its activities included facilitating the merger of GEC and AEI in 1966 and of the merger of that enlarged entity with English Electric in 1968.^[3] It also facilitated the merger of British Motor Corporation with Leyland Motors in 1968^[3] and the merger of RHP, a ball bearing manufacturer, with Ransome & Marles in 1969.^[4] It was wound up by the Heath ministry in 1970.^[5] The Chairman throughout most of its life was Sir Frank Kearton.^[6]