Listing State-held energy companies on the Bucharest Stock Exchange is an efficient way of financing investments in the energy industry, according to Economy Minister Varujan Vosganian, who said late last week that he was looking forward to the resumption of the procedures to list Transgaz, Romgaz and Hidroelectrica on the bourse. He told a press conference that the consultant for listing national gas carrier Transgaz was going to be selected by March.
Five entities are currently competing for the contract: BCR Securities - CAIB, BRD Securities - EFG Eurobank Securities, Raiffeisen Capital & Investment, SSIF Broker - HTI Valori Mobiliare - Delta Valori Mobiliare and BT Securities - Alpha Finance. Minister Vosganian said the natural gas transportation network was in a dramatic situation as two thirds of the gas pipes needed to be replaced urgently. Necessary long-term investments have been estimated at 2-3 billion EUR.