STEVE INSKEEP, host: NPR's business news starts with a German plan to nationalize banks.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: The German Cabinet approved a bill today that would permit the forced nationalization of troubled banks as a last resort. Germany has been considering several options to gain control over problem banks and prevent a financial crisis. One troubled bank has already received almost $130 billion in loans and state guarantees. Now Germany's parliament considers whether nationalization will be the next step.
The German cabinet has approved a bill that would permit the forced nationalization of troubled banks as a last resort. Officials have been considering several options to gain control over problem banks and prevent a financial crisis. One of those banks — Hypo Real Estate — already has received nearly $130 billion in loans and state guarantees. The bill moves to parliament, where lawmakers can still offer amendments.