Russia, France informally discussing possible swap in stakes in Renault, AvtoVAZ - source
ZHUKOVSKY, Moscow region. June 30 (Interfax) - Russia and France are informally discussing a possible deal as a result of which shares of Russian auto maker AvtoVAZ could be exchanged for a 2%-3% stake in Renault owned by the French government, a source in the Rostekhnologii (Russian Technologies) state corporation told journalists, commenting on remarks made by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at a conference in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, on Wednesday.
"It will be 2%-3% of shares at the most. Of course, they will not give us the whole stake," the source said.
The topic was discussed during Putin's recent visit to Paris, but an official offer has not been forwarded to the French government, he said.
"This issue is very raw. Discussions have just started. It is not a fact that it will happen. Chances are slim," the source said.
Official negotiations with the French government on this issue have not been launched yet, he added.
"We have simply voiced our wish. I do not think that it could happen. At least, I do not see the French government's interest in holding any stake in AvtoVAZ," the source said.