Vucic rejects new bid for Serbian Oil Industry (NIS)
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected a potential sale of the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS) to a new bidder.
- He stated that the company cannot be bought unless a capable manager takes over, otherwise it will be goodbye.
- Vucic expressed hope that negotiations between Russian owners Gazprom and Gazpromneft, and Hungarian MOL, would conclude soon.
President Aleksandar Vucic has firmly stated that the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS) is not for sale to just any new bidder. Speaking to reporters after signing a highway construction financing contract, Vucic made it clear that the company's future hinges on responsible management. "Either someone will come in who knows how to manage it and how companies like that are run and manage it responsibly or goodbye everyone," he declared, rejecting reports of a 2 billion Euro offer from KFT Senator Treasury G.T.7 for the Russian majority stake.
This decisive stance underscores Serbia's commitment to safeguarding its strategic assets. While Vucic did not explicitly name the potential new bidder, his remarks signal a cautious approach to foreign investment, prioritizing stability and competent leadership over a quick sale. The President's focus remains on ensuring NIS operates efficiently and contributes positively to the national economy.
Either someone will come in who knows how to manage it and how companies like that are run and manage it responsibly or goodbye everyone
Furthermore, Vucic indicated that ongoing negotiations between the Russian majority owners, Gazprom and Gazpromneft, and Hungarian energy company MOL are expected to conclude next week. This suggests that a resolution regarding NIS's ownership structure is imminent, and Serbia is prepared to engage with partners who demonstrate a clear understanding of industrial management and a commitment to responsible business practices.
There, you canโt buy it
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.