PRESS: Vnukovo owner Vantsev can buy 25% from government

MOSCOW, Jun 14 (PRIME) -- Vitaly Vantsev, chairman of the board of directors and co-owner of the Vnukovo airport, wants to purchase a 25% plus one share stake in the airport from the Federal State Property Management Agency, he told business daily Vedomosti in an interview published on Thursday.

“This option is envisaged by the shareholder agreement,” Vantsev said. “I have used this option. Assessment of the share price will precede the deal. Privatization is welcomed by the government in general, and it will become possible for us to put money in the capital to develop the airport, in particular upgrade the flight infrastructure demanding large investments.”

A representative of the state property watchdog confirmed having received an application from the private stakeholders of the airport on March 30. The sale of the stake can take place in six months after notification.

Qatar Airways earlier declared interest in the government’s 25% share in Vnukovo. Vantsev said that the company is in the process of due diligence but he would like to attract a co-investor through a share issue rather than the sale of a stake.

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