Russian official says unaware of Tatneftegaz plans to get Bashneft

MOSCOW, Mar 28 (PRIME) -- The Russian president’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday he knew nothing about little-known company Tatneftegaz’ letter indicating intention to receive a state stake in oil company Bashneft in temporary ownership.

Business daily Vedomosti reported earlier on Monday citing Tatneftegaz CEO Sergei Bakhir’s letter to President Vladimir Putin stating that Tatneftegaz seeks to receive the government’s entire 75.08% stake in Bashneft in temporary ownership for 10 years.

The Federal State Property Management Agency, which holds 50.08% in Bashneft, and the republic of Bashkortostan, which has a 25% plus one share stake, will receive U.S. $4 billion and $2 billion, respectively, if agree to the deal, the letter said. A 75% stake in Bashneft currently costs $4.8 billion on the Moscow Exchange, the daily said.

“I hear about this letter for the first time. I know nothing about its existence,” Peskov said. He also said he did not comment on official correspondence.

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