Czech Press Agency quotes the Minister of Industry M. Gregr saying that a direct sale of CEZ by the end of February is possible but not realistic. He said that Electricite de France and Enel/Iberdrola still want to negotiate, but that the Cabinet will not ease any of the privatization conditions. Expected.
MFDnes newspaper quotes CEZ CEO who said that 2001 CAS net profit will exceed CZK 8 bil. (this figure was CEZ Autumn estimate). This indicates that 2001 IAS net profit will exceed our current estimate of CZK 9.98 bil.
A referendum on the Czech Temelin NPP starts in Austria today and will last until next Monday. It has been initiated by Joerg Haider’s FPO party, but has been criticized by the other Austrian parliamentary parties. Whatever is its result, it is not binding for the Austrian parliament or any other official body. We do not expect any consequences for CEZ.
(Jiri Soustruznik)