Russian "Rosnjeft" to buy NIS without tender?

If we are to believe the speculations among the circles in the energy sector, the Government of Serbia has a new favorite for strategic partner of Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS) - Russian State-owned company "Rosnjeft".

According to unofficial information, the negotiations between the representatives of Serbian Government and "Rosnjeft" lasts for two months. Russian side wants to additionally capitalize NIS, but it insists that everything should be done without the previous announcement of the tender for privatization of the company . Additional capitalization would obliged "Rosnjeft" to invest in NIS and it would get the ownership share in return.

According to the results of previous negotiations, it is more and more likely that Serbia will keep the majority ownership in the national oil company.

"Rosnjeft" gained in importance when it became the company that realized the highest profit, aside from "Gazprom, on the occasion of liquidation of "Jukos", which was managed by Russian tycoon Mihail Hodorokovski, who is in prison at the moment. "Rosnjeft" is, also, the owner of the biggest production unit "Jukos – Jugansknjeftagas" and it is the third largest oil manufacturer in Russia.