Source: Russia’s RDIF to take part in Bashneft’s privatization

MOSCOW, Jul 28 (PRIME) -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has confirmed its plans to bid for privatization of oil company Bashneft, a source close to the privatization’s organizers told PRIME on Thursday.

“The RDIF has confirmed its interest in participating in privatization of Bashneft,” the source said.

An official representative for the RDIF declined to comment. “We do not comment on the bid’s filing. The fund is studying all significant privatization deals that are of interest to the fund’s foreign partners,” the representative said.

Earlier on Thursday, Kommersant business daily reported citing sources that oil company Tatneft had also filed a bid to partake in Bashneft’s privatization. So far, oil companies Independent Oil and Gas Company and Tatneftegaz have filed written bids for participation in the privatization, and oil major Lukoil previously confirmed its plans to bid to the deal’s advisor VTB Capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier authorized sale of the entire stake in Bashneft to a private investor. The Federal State Property Management Agency owns 50.08% in the company, while the government of the republic of Bashkortostan has a 25% stake.

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