Vopak under pressure from Lukoil offer for Naftobazy

Naftobazy, the owner of the largest national chain of liquid fuel stores, is close to signing a contract with Russian oil concern Lukoil. The Russian party would like to use the costal fuel depots of the Polish company located near Gdynia as an oil transshipment spot. "This is not only a chance for improving Naftobazy's financial results, but it will also increase its value before privatization. Nafta Polska puts much stress on getting as much as possible for the company from Dutch Vopak which is trying to buy Naftobazy," said a sector source. The issue of evaluating Naftobazy is one of the reasons for delaying the sale. Maciej Gierej, president of Nafta Polska, admitted that the privatization of Naftobazy is a complicated issue. "We are not only selling the company, but we also have to conclude the creation of an Integrated Logistics Operator, which will be managed by Vopak," explained Gierej. The next round of negotiations concerning the creation of the new venture between Nafta Polska, Vopak and PKN Orlen will take place this week. (Puls Biznesu, p. 1, 8) M.M.