How can I check if share certificates I found have value?

Question

I have been clearing my parents flat and found share certificates from

• P and O
• European Ferries

Can I find out if they are still valid? If not, is there a market for them as collectibles or the like?

Answer 1

Both of these holdings are worth money.

European Ferries was bought by P&O in 1987.

P&O was bought by DP World in 2006.

You should be entitled to receive the price (or shares) paid for both holdings at the time of purchase, and possibly any subsequent dividends paid. DP World paid 520p per share to purchase P&O, however I can not find any record of the deal P&O made to purchase European Ferries.

The place to start is by contacting DP World and explaining your situation. Here is the contact information for DP World. They are headquartered in Dubai, so this may be a slow process.

If you are unable to obtain a satisfactory conclusion, then I would contact the UK regulators - the FSA = UK Financial Regulator.