The Czech-based Euro weekly reports today that the Czech industry minister, J. Rusnok, intends to meet with each potential bidder in the Unipetrol privatization, having already met with representatives from Rotch Energy. The minister said that Rotch indicated that its bid would be at the same level as in the first tender (EUR 444 mil. for the state’s 63% stake, or CZK 120 per share). Although its bid was then the highest, Rotch failed to win the tender due to transparency concerns.
A new privatization advisor should be appointed by April 2003.
Jiri Soustruznik