PRESS: MSC, UCL Holding may buy control stake in TransContainer

MOSCOW, Nov 7 (PRIME) -- One of the world’s largest container shipping companies, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), may become a partner UCL Holding of businessman Vladimir Lisin in the purchase of a controlling stake in Russian leading container operator TransContainer, Kommersant business daily reported on Tuesday.

UCL sent a letter to the Economic Development Ministry, the Transport Ministry, and the analytical center of the Russian government suggesting a purchase of at least 50% plus one share in TransContainer from Russian Railways and private pension fund Blagosostoyanie together with MSC, with which it already owns a stake in Container Terminal St. Petersburg, Kommersant reported.

UCL also thinks that Russian Railways could remain a co-owner of TransContainer, and its interest could be protected by a shareholder agreement. Government sources told the business daily that the government is not against foreign participation in the deal, but it is not ready to give them control over the container operator.

A representative of the Federal Antimonopoly Agency told Kommersant that they have not received a request from UCL and MSC.

The government’s analytical center said earlier it would be more reasonable to sell up to 75% in TransContainer at an open auction – 24.5% from Blagosostoyanie and 50% from Russian Railways. Possible buyers include Summa Group, which already holds 25.07% in TransContainer and is ready to buy 25% in the company immediately and 25% via an option agreement; the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), and UCL.

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