22 Nov 2010 13:56

Russian govt okays sale of gas distribution assets to Gazprom

MOSCOW. Nov 22 (Interfax) - The Russian government has approved the sale of 72 regional gas distribution assets owned by OJSC Rosneftegaz to Gazprom .

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin signed the relevant order on November 13.

The assets are being transferred to enable the state to gain direct control of more than 50% of the shares in Gazprom. They are being transferred "at a price not below the market value as determined by an independent valuer," the decree says.

The assets were valued at approximately 70 billion rubles at the end of 2008.