The Slovak Cabinet issued a new tender for Slovenske elektrarne, the dominant Slovak power generator, today. Contrary to the previous comments of government officials, the state has not increased the offered stake, at 49%, though management control is attached (there is certain possibility that the offered stake may be increased to a majority one in the course of the tender). CEZ is to be among the bidders, which include several major European utilities. Most of them (possibly all with the exception of CEZ) are reportedly not interested in Slovenske elektrarne’s nuclear assets, though, which could offer CEZ a bidding advantage. The tender should be completed by the end of 2005. Neutral.
Jiri Soustruznik