Serbian Firm Offers $2 Billion for NIS Stake, Challenging MOL Amid Sanctions

A significant financial maneuver is unfolding in Serbia's energy sector, with a recently formed Serbian company, Senator, making a substantial 2 billion euro bid for a controlling stake in NIS, the nation's sole oil refinery. This move directly challenges the ongoing acquisition efforts by Hungary's MOL, introducing a complex layer to the privatization of a strategic asset.

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Nedavno osnovana srpska kompanija ponudila je dve milijarde evra ruskim kompanijama Gazprom Neft i Gazprom za njihov zajednički udeo od 56,1 odsto u NIS-u, koji upravlja jedinom rafinerijom nafte u Srbiji, rekao je njen vlasnik Ranko Mimović, dodajući da je ponuda „u načelu prihvaćena“ od strane ruskih vlasnika NIS-a.

NIS, a company operating under U.S. sanctions since October due to its ties with Russian entities Gazprom Neft and Gazprom, is at the center of this high-stakes negotiation. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has mandated the divestment of shares held by the Russian parent companies, creating a window for potential buyers.

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Gazprom Neft aktivno priprema prodaju svog udela u NIS-u mađarskoj kompaniji MOL. Neophodne korporativne i regulatorne procedure su u toku. Kompanija ne vodi nikakve druge pregovore po ovom pitanju

Senator's bid, however, faces a competing offer from MOL, which has reportedly been in active preparation to acquire the stake. Gazprom Neft has publicly stated its intention to sell to MOL, indicating that corporate and regulatory procedures are underway. This creates a direct conflict, with Senator now seeking OFAC approval for its bid, a process that is reportedly under review.

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Na sajtu OFAC-a se navodi da je zahtev „u toku razmatranja uprave“.

The Serbian government, holding a significant minority stake in NIS, also aims to increase its share. The situation is further complicated by the tight deadline set by OFAC for the sale, May 22. The Serbian perspective on this matter is crucial, as NIS represents not only a vital energy resource but also a symbol of economic sovereignty. The government's engagement with both Senator and MOL, alongside its own strategic interests, will be key in navigating this complex international transaction and determining the future ownership of a critical national asset.

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MOL je 19. januara potpisao sporazum o kupovini zajedničkog udela Gazprom Nefta i Gazproma u NIS-u.