Novatek rolls out IPO roadshow
Russian gas producer Novatek will kick off a roadshow for its London share placement after 6 July, as a deal with French giant Total now looks increasingly unlikely, it was reported today.
"The roadshow will begin after 6 July, and the placement is likely to take place within a week after that ... It looks like the previous deal with Total is now off the agenda," a source close to the placement told Reuters.
This week, Novatek said it would proceed with an initial public offering of shares in London, although Total has said it could scrap plans to buy 25% of the independent gas producer if it decides on a major IPO.
Yesterday, Russia's market watchdog allowed Novatek to list up to 30% of its shares abroad in the form of American Depository Shares, revising upwards its previous 20% ceiling.
Novatek, which has a small number of its shares listed in Moscow, named international banks Morgan Stanley and UBS Investment Bank coordinators for the placement, while the same two banks and Credit Suisse First Boston would be book-runners.
Novatek said it would focus on placing Global Depositary Receipts on the London Stock Exchange, but would also offer shares to Russian investors. It did not give details.
Oil major Total's deal to buy 25% in Novatek was announced in September but has become bogged down in a Russian antitrust investigation and negotiations over price.
Total said there could be some conditions under which an IPO would not be compatible with its bid. It did not say what these conditions might be.
Novatek has said Total could end up owning less than the previously agreed 25%, or pay more than planned, when the two companies re-examine the deal.
Novatek argues that it has undergone restructuring and consolidation and is now worth more. The pricing was never disclosed, but market analysts estimated the initial deal at $1 billion.