BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

07/05/2007

Beltranshaz plans bond issue

Belarus' state-run Beltranshaz plans a $9 million bond issue to raise funds for the domestic market.

The Belapan news agency reported Sunday that the gas pipeline operator's bonds were expected to be interest-free in a bid to attract more investors.

"Nearly all papers for the first issue of the bonds have already been prepared. The use of the bonds as a tool of borrowing will help reduce its cost and increase its term," the company's news office told Belapan.

Under a Dec. 31, 2006, agreement Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom is to acquire a 50-percent, $2.65 billion stake in Beltranshaz by June 1, 2010.

Beltranshaz operates 4,350 miles of pipelines.

Source:

http://www.upi.com/Energy/Analysis/2007/05/07/upi_energy_watch/

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