E.ON Bulgaria ready to buy out state residual stake of 33%

The north-eastern power distribution group, majority owned by the German energy company E.ON, has announced that it is ready to acquire the remaining 33% state stake in the company. The Czech Electricity Company (CEZ), which controls the north-western power distribution group, is also reportedly interested in the remaining state stake. As recalled, the government sold majority stakes of 67% in each of the 7 power retailers grouped in 3 packages in late 2004 and plans to hold 33% of the shares until 2009.