The Cabinet yesterday approved a Ministry of Finance proposal that alters the Cesky Telecom privatization strategy (it pushes the end of the tender to March 31, 2002; financial investors will be allowed to bid in combination with a strategic investor). Both of these changes were expected (Czech Press Agency).
The Prague-based daily MFDnes reports today that the Cabinet now expects to receive CZK 50 bil. for its 51% stake in Cesky Telecom, or CZK 304 per share, as opposed to the previous CZK 80 bil., or CZK 487 per share. Nevertheless, the report, uncorroborated by official representatives from the FinMin and the National Property Fund, should be taken with caution at the moment.
(Jiri Soustruznik)