Croatian ministry: All options open on INA
All options were possible for solving problems caused by the strained relations between the Croatian government and Hungary's MOL oil company, the largest shareholder in its Croatian peer, INA, the Croatian economy ministry told Croatian news agency HINA on Monday in a comment on media reports on a possible purchase of MOL's shares in INA.
But the ministry is now focusing on negotiations with MOL, it added. "As regards information published in today's dailies, the Economy Ministry can confirm that all options are being considered at expert level to deal with the current situation, with MOL trying to disrupt the country's energy stability and INA's development," the ministry said.
Croatian daily Jutarnji List said on Monday that the Croatian economy ministry has sent the US State Department a proposal that the Croatian government, the second largest shareholder in INA, could buy out MOL from INA. Earlier, the US government has offered friendly mediation in the dispute between the Croatian government and MOL over INA.
The daily also said that the Croatian state could make the purchase by taking out a €2.6 bln loan, offering its stake in INA as collateral. The ministry said that "MOL's announcements about a possible sale of its stake in INA, as well as its failure to carry out its business plans regarding INA's development and its decisions that are contrary to the interests of the Croatian state, have prompted the government to consider all options."
However, no decision, especially not one on a possible buyout of MOL had been made, it added. The Croatian economy ministry "is now focused on the arbitration proceedings and the completion of the negotiating process with MOL, and it expects the negotiations to continue in mid-November," the ministry said in response to HINA's inquiry.
ADVERTISEMENT
Poland Inflation Surges in FebruaryÂ
Parliament Negates Mandatory Membership in MOK
Int'l Investors Interested in Hungary's Real Estate Trends
Kinizsi Castle Reopens in Nagyvázsony
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
