Analysts confident Elektrim will be looking for a partner in G-8 bid

Analysts have little doubt that telecoms and energy conglomerate Elektrim, c hosen to conduct exclusive negotiations on acquiring a stake in the G-8 Grou p of northern energy distributors, will be looking for a partner in the vent ure. To back their prediction, the analysts point to the fact that Elektrim will not be able to finance the deal by itself. The initial 25% stake in G-8 is estimated to be costing Elektrim $501 million, and the company is also re portedly committed to spending zl.1.5 billion on upgrading the power distrib utors. Further outlays on additional stakes may also be planned, although an alysts say Elektrim does not need to control the entire G-8 Group by itself. A likely candidate to team up with Elektrim is Belgium's Electrabel. Other p otential partners include EDF of France and Endesa of Spain, as well as Germ an energy giants RWE and E.ON. (Puls Biznesu, p. 11) T.J.