Foreign lenders key as Thames Water owner seeks more time to pay debts

ING, Allied Irish Bank and two Chinese banks are expected to agree extension on £190m loan

The Dutch bank ING and two Chinese state-owned lenders could play a crucial role in deciding the fate of beleaguered Thames Water, it has emerged.

The banks are expected to agree an extension on a £190m loan to the parent company of Britain’s biggest water supplier, which is due to be repaid at the end of this month.