Novatek rides high
Russian gas player Novatek has seen its sales and net profit soar in 2004, thanks to higher gas and gas liquids output as well as higher gas prices inside Russia.
Novatek said its net profit rose 73.5% to 5.7 billion roubles ($199.7 million) while revenues increased by 46% to 25.2 billion roubles.
French oil giant Total is hoping to buy a 25% stake in Novatek.