Romanian government invites offers for the privatisation of Electroputere

BUCAREST (AFX) - The Romanian government has invited offers for the privatisation of rail engine manufacturer Electroputere Craiova, an official source said.

The state is selling its majority shareholding of 62.8 pct. The closing date for offers is Mar 26.

It is the sixth time that the government has attempted to privatise the company.

This time, the total amount offered by candidates will count for 20 pct when evaluating offers, said Teodor Atanasiu, the president of the ministry for the valuation of state assets.

'We are more interested in the investment that will be made in the company,' Atanasiu said. 'We hope that with the benefit of fresh capital Electroputere will get back on its feet because it will have a real market.'

Electroputere, which also makes diesel engines, has about 2,500 employees and in 2006 reported turnover of about 46.5 mln eur and losses of 14.8 mln eur, according to news agency Mediafax.



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