Romanian Businessman Dinu Patriciu Sells Its 25% Stake in Rompetrol Group to KazMunayGas

Following this transaction KazMunayGas becomes the sole shareholder of Dutch-based Rompetrol Group, whose main asset is Romanian oil refinery Rompetrol Rafinare.

“The decision to sell my participation in Rompetrol Group is part of a larger business strategy,” Patriciu said in a statement, without disclosing the value of the deal. He added that he plans to focus on the European real estate market, mass-media and projects in energy sector.

In August 2007 KazMunayGas acquired a 75% stake in Rompetrol Group from Swiss-based Rompetrol Holding SA, owned by Patriciu. Following the transaction, Rompetrol Holding SA remained with a 25% stake in the group.

The purchase of the remaining 25% stake in Rompetrol Group was a private transaction, based on the terms of the initial agreement signed in August 2007, KazMunayGas said in a separate statement on Friday.

Earlier this month Romanian media reported that Patriciu exited the group but he denied the reports saying that it was a media rumour that could not be confirmed.

Blue chip Rompetrol Rafinare's shares were suspended from trading at 1114 GMT on Friday on the Bucharest bourse and will resume trading on Monday. Its stock last traded 0.22% down at 0.045 lei ($0.015/0.0107 euro) by 1058 GMT.

(1 euro=4.222 Romanian lei)