Optima considering buying OMV units

epa01013024 (FILE) A file picture dated 06 March 2007 shows Austrian energy company OMV's logo at the company's headquarters in Vienna. The United States are determined to keep up pressure against the Austrian energy company OMV over a planned multi-million gas deal with Iran, media reported on 19 May 2007. EPA/ROBERT JAEGER

Attracting interest: Bosnian retailer says it is considering buying units OMV indicated are up for sale earlier this week

ROBERT JAEGER

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By Bill Lehane and news reports

 09 December 2011 16:02 GMT

Bosnia's Optima is reportedly interested in taking over OMV’s retail units in Croatia and Bosnia which the Austrian group has offered for sale as part of a drive to focus on upstream activities.

Earlier this week OMV said it was planning to sell the units and hoped discussions with interested parties would start in the next few months.

The move is part of a wider strategy flagged in September to move away from refining and retail to concentrate on exploration and production.

Jurij Belov, the general manager of Optima Group, told Reuters it was “seriously considering” buying the units.

"We are very interested in entering the Croatian market and taking over OMV's retail chain there, as well as in Bosnia," he said.

OMV operates 63 retail…

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