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Friday, 21 November, 2008, 23:10 GMT | more >>

Repsol 'to sell YPF stake soon'



By Upstream staff 

The Argentine government said Spain's Repsol should reach an agreement to sell up to 25% of its local energy company YPF in about five weeks, adding that Argentina would not obstruct the deal.

Repsol's chairman said last month the group was looking for a private local partner to buy a significant stake in YPF. The company will follow the sale with the listing of about 20% of YPF on the Buenos Aires stock exchange.

Argentine Planning Minister Julio De Vido told reporters Repsol was in talks with just one potential buyer, Reuters reported.

Asked how long the talks could last, De Vido said: "You should ask them (Repsol), but I think five weeks."

"The company's negotiations are subject to government approval ... but I don't think there will be any problem," De Vido added.

The Argentine government holds a golden share in YPF.

Repsol YPF officials in Buenos Aires were not available to comment on De Vido's statements.

Spanish newspaper Expansion and Argentinian media have reported the potential buyers as banking magnate Enrique Eskenazi; Jorge Brito, the head of Banco Macro; and Eduardo Eurnekian, who bought Argentina's airports when they were privatised.

Expansion said the candidates were all close to Argentine President Nestor Kirchner and quoted various sources as saying Eskenazi was the front runner of the three.

Repsol bought YPF for about $15 billion when it was privatised in 1999.


Friday, 08 June, 2007, 22:12 GMT  | last updated: Friday, 08 June, 2007, 22:12 GMT

Spinning off?: Repsol is expected to sell up to 25% of its Argentinian YPF operation
 

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