The decision

Gaz de France has announced about its intentions to participate in the privatisation of Lietuvos Dujos (Lithuanian Gas). The decision was made after the Government of Lithuania announced that 34% of the shares of the Lithuanian Gas will be sold to a strategic investor originating from one of the EU or associated states, a member of OECD or NATO, with at least 10 years experience in natural gas distribution, but not a supplier of natural gas. In 2000, Gaz de France had a turnover of EUR 11 billion and its profits reached EUR 431 million. The company has about 12 million clients, 2 million are outside France. Other companies which have announced their intentions to participate in the Privatisation of Lithuanian Gas are German companies Ruhrgas and E.ON.Energie.