Sibur to sell share in IT service co to Atos, Gazprom Neft may sell its share
KRASNAYA POLYANA (Sochi). Feb 24 (Interfax) - Russian petrochemicals company Sibur plans to sell its stake in LLC Information Technology Service Company, a leading IT solutions supplier, to Atos, and Gazprom Neft may also sell part of its stake, said Vitaly Baranov, the deputy head of Gazprom Neft and chairman of the IT company's board.
Sibur will go first. Sibur and Gazprom Neft each own 50% of the IT company. "We welcome the plans for Atos to acquire shares from Sibur and Gazprom Neft is considering selling part of its stake," he said.
So far the price or term of such a deal is not known, he added. Gazprom Neft, Sibur and Atos signed a memorandum of long-term cooperation in IT services on February 22. Atos is the worldwide IT partner of the Olympic Committee.
"We signed a protocol of intent to show our interest in working with Atos and we see the company as a potential partner and buyer for Information Technology Service Company," he said.
"I think if the deal goes ahead, and I think it will go ahead, then Sibur will sell its stake first. If that is successful then we will also be interested in looking at our exit from the business," Baranov said.
Sibur CEO Dmitry Konov said at a press conference after the memorandum signing that the Sibur stake in the IT company would immediately go to Atos.
