Ruhrgas and Wintershall readying weapons for gas industry privatisation

Germany-based Ruhrgas and Wintershall, two of the largest natural gas companies in Europe have already made the first moves of their strategy to participate in the privatisation of the two major gas distribution companies on the Romanian market, Distrigaz Nord and Distrigaz Sud.

The two powerful rivals already hold stakes in Romania, which is the biggest natural gas market in Central and Eastern Europe, and plan to capitalise on their competitive edge, particularly because other big industry names such as Gazprom (Russia), Enel Gas (Italy) or Gaz de France (France) have announced interest to participate.

“At present, Ruhrgas is putting its team together to participate in the privatisation of the gas distribution in Romania. Talks are being conducted over selecting an international consultant and a law firm, which may be based in Romania but represented abroad,” Dan Morari, Ruhrgas’ natural gas representative in Romania told Ziarul Financiar.

These are the first official statements of the representatives of the German giant about its plans to participate in the privatisation of the Distrigaz-es.

Morari was appointed to this position last year and had previously worked as director with the National Natural Gas Regulating Authority (ANRGN).

On the other hand, Wintershall seems to prefer a different tactical approach of the privatisation of the Distrigaz-es, a several hundred million euro business.

“We have been working with the same law firm, CMS Cameron McKenna Cristina Brinzan, for six or seven years. As for consulting, it will be covered by Wintershall’s own resources,” Harald Kraft, general manager of Wirom Gas, a gas importer in which Wintershall and Gazprom hold 25% each, told Ziarul Financiar.

Another group to have openly stated interest in buying the two gas distribution companies is Italian energy company Enel, through its natural gas division Enel Gas. “We hope to participate in the tenders for privatising the gas distribution companies in Romania,” Vincenzo Cannatelli, Enel’s Marketing and Infrastructure Department head was quoted as saying by Mediafax. adrian.mirsanu@zf.ro