Source: Pro et Contra
This article orginally appeared in Russian in "The Power of Oil and Gas" edition of the Pro et Contra journal (Volume 10, Nos. 2-3, 2006), published by the Carnegie Moscow Center.
In the run-up to the placing of Rosneft shares on international capital markets, the Russian president's good will defends investors against political risks, making the company more attractive to investors and raising the potential price of its shares. Outside Russia , however, the forthcoming Rosneft initial public offering has raised numerous questions. Western analysts are concerned about its tremendous debt load. George Soros has spoken of ethical issues and the problems of Europe 's energy security. Other international experts are concerned that Rosneft is an instrument of government policy and may thus pursue political goals, to the detriment of shareholders. Indeed, Russian citizens would be well served to learn whether this state-owned company is managed more for the benefit of its own management, the state establishment, or the country's national interests.
For the full text, please click on the link above.