Privatisation of thermo-power plant Bobov Dol delayed by mid-April.

The privatisation agency extended the deadline for completing sale negotiations on the coal-fired power plant in Bobov Dol by two months until Apr 10.  The Greek PPC has won the tender in the spring of 2005 offering EUR 71mn for the full stake. The local authorities have rejected the offer as unsatisfactory but have been forced to resume sale talks after a court appeal won by the Greeks. In the meanwhile, the privatisation agency has changed its stance on the deal saying that the bid of PPC is consistent with the net asset value and the market potential of the plant. However, the sale process is now blocked by the refusal of the environment ministry to approve some parameters related to the work of the power plant.