Russian gas monopoly Gazprom is in talks with the Belarusian government to buy 50% stake in Beltransgaz, owned by the Belarusian State. This was reported by Russian Ambassador to Belarus Alexander Surikov while responding to reporters' questions on May 19. "We are talking about the remaining share to get 100%," the diplomat noted.
According to him, the parties are discussing a new assessment of Beltransgaz assets. In 2006, Gazprom acquired 50% stake of Beltransgaz for $2.5 billion, based on an assessment of AVN Amro Bank of company’s 100% stake at $ 5 billion. «I think they (the talks — Telegraf) will result in agreement,» said the ambassador, reports «Prime-TASS.»
As Telegraf previously reported, the Belarusian authorities intend to sell several businesses in 2011, valued at $3 billion in total. According to Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, the privatization of SOEs’ assets is needed in Belarus «to maintain the balance of payments.»
