Gazprom's affiliates may buy RUR 300 worth of the company's bonds

Gazprom's affiliates Gazprombank, NPF Gazfond, SOGAZ and Sberbank may buy 28 issues of Gazprom's bonds in total amount of RUR 300 bln. The Board of Gazprom approved the related party transactions with Gazprombank, NPF GAZFOND, Sberbank and SOGAZ. Each company may purchase up to 100% of the issue. In April of 2001, Gazprom's board approved the offering of 28 bond series for a total of RUR 300 billion. Issues BO-01 - BO-06 equal RUR 5 bln each; BO-07 - BO-18 RUR 10 bln; BO-19 - BO-28 RUR 15 bln. The issue will be placed through public offering. The loans tenor is 3 years. Renaissance Broker and Gazprombank are the arrangers. Deputy Head of the holding's Finance Department Alexander Ivannikov said at press-conference earlier that the first tranche size may be up to RUR 30 bln. "The first tranche scheduled for this year could amount to RUR 30 bln," Mr. Ivannikov said. Deputy CEO of Gazprom Andrey Kruglov did not rule out placing Eurobonds this year, but did not mention the possible amount.