ZAGREB, Oct 21 (Hina) - Croatian Economy Minister Ljubo Jurcic said on Monday that there had been no talks with representatives of the Russian Federation, nor of Russia's oil company Rosneft, which would connect the privatisation of
the Croatian oil company INA with cooperation plans in other areas.
ZAGREB, Oct 21 (Hina) - Croatian Economy Minister Ljubo Jurcic said
on Monday that there had been no talks with representatives of the
Russian Federation, nor of Russia's oil company Rosneft, which
would connect the privatisation of the Croatian oil company INA
with cooperation plans in other areas. #L#
Offers for the purchase of a part of INA's shares will be considered
depending on the privatisation strategy, which is independent of
other transactions, Jurcic said in reply to a question whether
Rosneft was in any way privileged in INA's privatisation.
Russia's Rosneft is one of three potential strategic partners in
the purchase of 25 percent plus one share of INA. Besides Rosneft,
potential partners are Austria's OMV and Hungary's MOL.
The three companies have completed the due diligence process and
are to submit their binding offers, including the price they are
prepared to pay for the shares in INA.
The minister said that government representatives did hold talks
with the representatives of the oil company, but not a word was
mentioned about the possibility of any connection between INA's
privatisation and any other business with Russia.
Some Croatian media have been speculating that Rosneft could be
privileged in the privatisation of INA, in the context of other
possible business transactions with Russia, especially the
introduction of the Croatian ship-building industry in the project
of modernising the Russian merchant fleet.
(hina) lml sb