Romania Eyes Selling Large Cos In ’08- Official

Referring to large companies pending privatization, Atanasiu mentioned thermal power producer Craiova, the country’s sole helicopter maker IAR Ghimbav, as well as SC IOR SA and Arsenal Resita operating in the defense industry.

Atanasiu said AVAS included these companies in this year’s privatization program, adding they will soon be evaluated and up for privatization.

 "Most companies will be sold through outcry bids or direct negotiation based on final improved bids, if we want to see a business plan and in case we have solid reasons to believe we can obtain a higher price through negotiation than through outcry bid," Atanasiu said.

Atanasiu said AVAS will try to sell its minority stakes on the bourse, adding it waits for the right time to do that, after it sold its minority stakes in nearly thirty companies this year.