Russia can choose Bashneft privatization consultant soon

SKOLKOVO, Moscow Region, Jun 3 (PRIME) -- The Russian government is likely to choose an investment consultant for privatization of oil company Bashneft in a few days, First Deputy Energy Minister Alexei Teksler told PRIME on Friday.

“An investment consultant for Bashneft has not been chosen so far, it was said that VTB Capital is a nominee,” Teksler said. “The Economic Development Ministry is taking care of this, as I understand, it is in the government. I think that it is a matter of a few days.”

The official said that there are no official competitors for the Bashneft stake yet. “After we have signed an official mandate to an investment consultant, the work will become official.”

The Russian government holds 50% plus one share in Bashneft and the government of the republic of Bashkortostan has a 25% plus one share.

In May, President Vladimir Putin crossed out Bashneft from a list of strategically important companies and allowed the government to sell the entire state stake in Bashneft to private investors.

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