HINA: Croatian EcoMin: potential buyers for MOL's INA stake are welcome, but will have to talk with gov't
Croatia's Economy Minister Ivan Vrdoljak has welcomed interest in the purchase of Hungarian oil and gas company MOL's stake in Croatian peer INA, but said any investor has to first test its ability to cooperate with the Croatian government, INA's other big owner, Croatian news agency HINA said on Friday.
Anyone wishing to buy INA shares should discuss with the Croatian government the company's development strategy so that the company can be run together with that strategic partner, and all partners are welcome, including those from the U.S. which have been mentioned lately," HINA quoted Vrdoljak as saying.
He was referring to a report by Bloomberg that Klesch Group, owned by the American Gary Klesch, is doing due diligence on INA. The news agency on Wednesday cited two people with knowledge of the matter as saying that Klesch Group is carring out due diligence at INA, as MOL, which holds a 49.1% stake in Croatia’s largest refiner, considers offers for the unit.