Anti-Monopoly Minister makes forecasts for 2003-2004

Russian companies will be selling their non-core assets in 2003-2004, Anti-Monopoly Minister Ilya Yuzhanov voiced his opinion at a news conference today. The selling of non-core assets will follow the currently unfolding acquisitions and mergers, he pointed out.

Among 2002 tendencies the minister mentioned the purchases of property in regions by organizations from large industrial centers, creation of branches and transferring of assets to them and purchases of stakes in large enterprises through straw parties. Moreover, according to the data of the Anti-Monopoly Ministry, foreign investors have been especially active on the consumer market, the fuel and energy sector and the timber industry this year.