The Bulgarian government announced on Thursday (18th September) the creation of a new energy giant Bulgarian Energy Holding, the result of the planned merger between state-owned power and gas companies NEK and Bulgargaz, as well as coal mining company Maritsa East. In a statement, the Ministry of Economy and Energy said the new group would remain under state control with a combined asset value of EUR 4.3 billion. The government is understood to be willing to spin off the respective power and gas grids currently held by both incumbents under future scenarios. (THE ICIS HEREN REPORTS - EDEM 12 182 / 18 September 2008) |