Overview
- Reuters reports Carlyle is in early exploratory talks on purchasing Lukoil’s foreign assets and has notified the company of its interest.
- Lukoil says it will announce any sale only after final agreements are reached and necessary regulatory clearances are obtained.
- Romania’s energy minister says three foreign companies have officially declared intent to acquire Lukoil’s local assets, including the Petrotel Ploiești refinery and more than 300 service stations.
- Business outlet Economedia identifies the potential bidders for the Romanian assets as Hungary’s MOL, Greece’s Hellenic Petroleum, and U.S.-based Carlyle, which remains unconfirmed by Lukoil.
- The U.S. sanctioned Lukoil and certain subsidiaries on October 22 and the EU later restricted Litasco; Reuters reports Lukoil has asked OFAC to extend its wind-down license ahead of a November 21 operational cutoff.