CTK reports that Rotch Energy (one of the short-listed bidders in Unipetrol) said an unclear situation in relation to Ceska rafinerska could negatively affect investor interest in the Unipetrol privatization tender.
The current situation is unclear as the IOC consortium, which is on the short-list as well, already owns 49% in Ceska rafinerska and reportedly has an option to buy the remaining 51% in the company. Although it is known that the option exists, no clear indication of its potential impact on the privatization (including alternative privatization scenarios) has been provided by officials. Rotch Energy highlighted an existing problem, which has not been publicly discussed so far by the short-listed bidders or by the government. Although this does not represent new information, the stock could react negatively, since the prospect of a rather complicated privatization becomes more likely now. We reiterate our hold recommendation for Unipetrol stock; there is too much uncertainty surrounding the stock to take a long position in it.
(Jiri Soustruznik)