Airbus eyeing stake in Russian Helicopters - minister
PARIS/MOSCOW. April 18 (Interfax) - Airbus, the European aircraft maker, is interested in acquiring a stake in Russian Helicopters , Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev told reporters after meeting with French businesspeople in Paris on Friday.
"Our French colleagues at the meeting were interested, among other things, in the privatization of Russian Helicopters, the Russian holding company. It will also be privatized, but according to a different arrangement - through invitation of a strategic investor. And, apparently, in the interests of the company, not in the interests of the budget," Ulyukayev said.
He said Airbus stated its proposals, but "nothing has been determined yet."
The privatization of Russian Helicopters will take place this year, the minister said. It might involve the sale of a controlling stake.
It was reported earlier that the government was preparing to sell up to 49% of shares in Russian Helicopters. But it is not yet clear who will be the investor.
Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov has said that various options are being considered, including a strategic investor from Russia with the possibility of selling the whole stake under consideration, or a foreign investor, in which case only 25% would be sold. There is also the possibility of a combination of these two options.