Authorities ask Vladimir Potanin to buy a shareholding in ALROSA

Authorities asked Interros of Vladimir Potanin to become one of anchor investors during placing of 14% of ALROSA shares at the market. The shareholding is preliminary assessed in 24-48 billion RUR. The officials apprehend that foreign competitors of ALROSA can buy the part of its capital, though foreign companies reject their interest in the securities. Analysts have different opinions about the attractiveness of the shares and note that the state needs a guaranteed loyal investor.

Interros obtained the proposal to take part in the public offering of ALROSA’s shares, information agencies reported on Friday. A source close to Interros confirmed the information and said, the investment department was dealing with the analysis of the proposal. The amount of shares is not specified. Interros, ALROSA and Goldman Sachs (the organizer of selling of 7% federal shareholding) provided no official commentaries.