Russia could mull Rostelecom share float from 2012
MOSCOW. Oct 5 (Interfax) - The Russian government could consider privatizing the combined telecommunications operator to be formed from the assets of the Svyazinvest holding and long-distance provider Rostelecom , partly by floating its shares on the Russian and foreign stock exchanges, from 2012, Russian Communications Minister Igor Schyogolev said at the ITU Telecom World-2009 exhibition.
"Given that this must be preceded by audited yearly financial reporting, it would be logical from the technological point of view to start thinking about this from 2012," Shyogolev said.
The strategy for reorganizing Svyazinvest states that Rostelecom is due to finish consolidating its assets by the spring of 2011, he said.
However "a whole range of factors," including the company's needs for funding and the interests of the state budget, could affect the IPO decision, he said.