Transoil to purchase Neftetransport

The first quite a large consolidation deal might be signed in the stagnating railway market this year. Kommersant has learnt that Transoil of G. Timchenko plans to purchase 100% of shares of Neftetransport CJSC, the co-owner of which is thought to be the ex-wife of the deputy mayor of Moscow, M. Liksutov – Tatyana Liksutova. Analysts assess Neftetransport at 4.5 bln roubles. It works in the same market as Transoil and will enlarge the latter’s fleet by more than 20%.

A source in the sector told Kommersant that Transoil had filed an application to FAS on the purchase of 100% of Neftetransport CJSC. Transoil confirmed the fact of the filing of the application, FAS said it was received on July 30th. In fact, this is the first large deal in the railway transportation market this year. Due to the fall in profitability and ambiguity with the prolongation of the old wagons’ service period, the majority of owners of hauling stocks turned away from enlarging their fleets and the negotiations on the purchase or amalgamation of operator companies stay at the assessment point.