Monday, May 31, 2010

Russia to occupy Ukrainian metallurgical sector. Vladimir Putin has already bought controlling interest of Zaporizhstal metallurgical giant

According to rumors, one of the biggest metallurgical plants of Ukraine – Zaporizhstal – is already under control of Russia. State-owned Vnesheconombank has recently bought the controlling interest of Ukrainian metallurgical giant. By the way, the Head of Supervisory Board of Vnesheconombank is none other but the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

Some interesting piece of information: Rinat Akhmetov, famous Ukrainian multi-billionaire and member of the ruling Party of Regions, wanted to buy the Zaporizhstal, and even paid an earnest money of $50 million to previous owners (offshore company Midland Resources Holding Ltd, affiliated with some Dnipropetrovsk (Ukraine) and Canada-based Ukrainian businessmen). This information is also unofficial, of course it is.

Nevertheless, Vnesheconombank had practically stolen the victory from Mr. Akhmetov’s hands. The negotiations with Ukrainian businessman ended dramatically (in favor of Russian bank) almost on a stage of signature of the share purchase agreement.

This info is rather symptomatic, having regard to worsening relationships between the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych and his rich party fellow.

Let me also remind you that we had another metallurgical rumor last year, also connected with Vnesheconombank. The rumor stated it bought a controlling package of shares in the Industrial Union of Donbass. The company owns Alchevsk Metallurgical Plant and Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant, named after famous Felix Dzerzhinsky, the founding father of the Soviet secret service.

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