On the other hand, the government would not be a mere spectator in what might be the deal of 2014, government officials say.
“I’m not ruling out bids for one or two distribution companies from state-owned entities,” said Energy Minister Razvan Nicolescu.
Sources close to the talks say the government is looking at the companies formerly known as Electrica Banat and Electrica Dobrogea.
Enel, which became the largest private electricity distributor in Romania, following several privatizations, now has a customer base of 2.36 million consumers, more than EUR1 billion in revenue and EUR289 million operating income.
It announced plans to sell its clean energy assets, as well as all the electricity supply and distribution companies in Romania (64.4% in Enel Distributie Muntenia and Enel Energie Muntenia, 51% in Enel Distributie Banat, Enel Distributie Dobrogea and Enel Energie and 100% in Enel Romania).
Market sources say one of those interested in buying Enel’s Romanian assets is State Grid Corporation of China, the world’s largest electricity transmission and distribution company.
“As stated several times in the past Enel is not providing details nor commenting upon press speculation/rumors on the potential bidders to the assets put on sale. Whether they are interested in assets operated in Romania, Slovakia or elsewhere,” stated Roberta Vivenzio, head of international media relations with Enel.
State Grid Corporation could not be reached for comment. This would not be its first deal with Italy’s Enel. The two signed a memorandum of understanding this April to cooperate in areas of smart grids and renewable energy, according to Enel’s corporate website.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)