Czech industry minister fears Net4Gas sale to ‘Trojan horse’ in the pipeline

Martin Kuba wants any new buyer of Net4Gas gas pipeline network to be a solid, long-term investor and not out for quick cash

Energy & Green Biz

Chris Johnstone | 21.02.2012

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Industry minister Martin Kuba says national interests are at stake in the possible Net4Gas sale. The Czech government in 2002 put a long-term ban on RWE reselling the Czech gas company Transgas without its permission — but that ban expired in January

Still to be confirmed but clearly on the horizon, the sale of the Czech gas pipeline company Net4Gas by its German owner RWE is clearly a matter of concern for the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO). Minister Martin Kuba on Tuesday expressed his fears over the prospects of a non-strategic buyer ready to sell for a quick profit when the opportunity arose but also admitted he was legislatively powerless to intervene.

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