PRESS: UCL ready to buy 50% in TransContainer

MOSCOW, Aug 10 (PRIME) -- Russian businessman Vladimir Lisin’s UCL Holding is ready to get a controlling stake in container shipping company TransContainer by buying part of shares from Russian Railways and private pension fund Blagosostoyanie, Kommersant business daily reported on Thursday.

UCL wants to buy at least 50% plus one share in TransContainer on a number of conditions, including early clarification of requirements and restrictions by the Federal Antimonopoly Service, a transparent procedure for the sale and market value of shares, the existence of a stable tariff policy of Russian Railways for a period not less than recoupment of investments, a source said.

The company also does not rule out Russian Railways remaining a shareholder of TransContainer. In this case, the controlling stake could be formed with 24.5% currently held by Blagosostoyanie and part of Russian Railways’ stake.

UCL confirmed interest in getting a controlling stake in TransContainer, while Russian Railways declined to comment.

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. The 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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