Kiev ready to privatize quarter of Energoatom's shares

MOSCOW. Jan 20 (Interfax) - Ukraine is ready to privatize large state-owned companies, in particular, to sell 25% of shares in Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear power company, but this requires financial institutions' involvement and European partners' willingness, Ukrainian media reported, citing Ukrainian Economy, Environment and Agriculture Minister Alexei Sobolev.

"We must be ready for privatization, but this also requires a serious approach, on the other hand, and some help from financial institutions to fund these transactions. For instance, in the case of Energoatom, we are ready to sell a quarter of the company," the media quoted him as saying at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

At the same time, Sobolev said large European companies involved in nuclear energy are currently experiencing their own difficulties, which makes acquiring a stake in the Ukrainian asset problematic.

Implementing such projects requires a joint decision that the European Union will agree to, he said.

Previously, Sobolev said the Economy Ministry predicted record revenues from privatization in 2025 - over UAH 10 billion.