Artikel der International Herald Tribune vom 23. August 2008
State oil firm bought by US-Swiss group
TIRANA, Albania: The Albanian government signed a contract for the sale of 85 percent of the Albanian ARMO state oil company after negotiating terms with a U.S.-Swiss consortium in a deal worth €128.75 million (US$191 million), authorities said Saturday.
The consortium — comprising Texas-based Refinery Associates of Texas, and Geneva, Switzerland-based Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. and Anika Enterprises — won the international tender in June and held negotiations on the terms, Albania’s Economy, Trade and Energy Ministry said.
Based on the contract signed Friday, the consortium would invest US$250 million (€168 million) over the next five years, including US$50 million (€33.6 million) for environment protection over the first three years.
ARMO owns two refineries, a research center, 11 depots and a network of gas stations — which it says were worth €109 million (US$161.8 million) in total.