Centica, the owner of Britain's largest energy supplier British Gas, is bracing for an assault from activist hedge fund investors looking to cash in on the global energy crisis, according to a report by The Daily Telegraph.

Centica, the owner of Britain's largest energy supplier British Gas, is bracing for an assault from activist hedge fund investors looking to take cash in on the global energy crisis, according to a report by The Daily Telegraph.

And the company is said to have called on investment bankers from Goldman Sachs as it prepares its defences for a possible raid. 

The Daily telegraph says Centrica is 'on alert after large stakes worth hundreds of millions of pounds changed hands through accounts fronted by investment banks last week'. 

A 5pc tranche of Centrica stock, made up of a combination of  shares and contracts for differences, was also acquired two weeks ago through a Bank of America nominee account.