The preliminary price bids had to be submitted by Friday deadline to the privatization advisor, and the privatization committee will review the bids this week. Although official information on the bids cannot be expected this week, unofficial information is likely to appear sooner or later. The government reportedly expects a price for its 63% stake in Unipetrol is CZK 9 bil. - 16 bil. (CZK 78 - 140 per share).
Czech Press Agency informs that Austrian OMV intends to form privatization consortium with Czech Agrofert. Marginally positive.
The EURO weekly magazine writes that the privatization short-list should be completed by October 31.
(Jiri Soustruznik)