Gazprom aims to become a global energy source as it looks to purchase strategic foreign assets of the power monopoly RAO Unified Energy Systems.
      
      The recent Arctic colds in Russia have put a strain on RAO UES and its national power. The president warned against any breakdowns so the energy system is bound to be reformed.
      
      Inter RAO, RAO UES’ subsidiary, controls some of the electricity companies in CIS countries. It looks set to lose them now but the state will obviously like to hand it over under a similar state-run monopoly. The talks have not begun, though.
      
      The sale of UES' foreign assets may occur within the next 12 to 18 months, Andrey Rappoport, chairman of the Inter RAO’s board of directors, said in an interview to Vedomosti, Russian newspaper, on Tuesday. He mentioned Gazprom and oil companies among potential buyers.
      
      Credit Suisse First Boston assessed Inter RAO at around $1 billion, Vedomosti reported Rappoport as saying.
      
      At present, Gazprom owns 11.6% in UES and a blocking stake in Moscow's power utility, Mosenergo.
      
      SOURCE:
      http://www.wraconferences.com/news3.html
      Moscow Times