Russian Cabinet Approves Gazprom Purchase Of Sibneft

13 October 2005 -- The Russian government has approved the move by the state-controlled gas monopoly Gazprom to buy the Sibneft oil company.
The deal will give the state control over one-third of Russia's oil output.

Citing the government press service, ITAR-TASS reported today that the government has approved a draft directive instructing government representatives on Gazprom's board to vote in favor of the purchase.

Gazprom, the world's biggest gas producer and a key supplier to Europe, announced last month that it would pay more than $13 billion for 72.7 percent of Sibneft's shares. Gazprom which already held 3 percent of Sibneft, would now have a 75.7 percent stake in the company.

Sibneft is currently controlled by billionaire Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich.

(AP)

See also:

Russia: Tightening The Screws With Gazprom

Russia: State Monopoly Gazprom Takes Over Sibneft

Russia: The End Of Loans-For-Shares