EBRD: We are not against if "Telecom Serbia" enters stock exchange

(Photo: I.Vukša)

"Being in the stock exchange does not prevent "Telekom" from finding a strategic partner. Representatives of EBRD have already talked with the Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic not only about privatization of "Telekom", but also about privatization of numerous Serbian companies, especially "Dunav insurance" and "Nikola Tesla" airport.

- There is an interest of Serbian authorities for privatization of those companies. We are looking forward to the beginning of the process – said Patrone.

Serbian Government has to reach a decision when the process of privatization is going to commence, EBRD considers it "the sooner, the better".

According to him, EBRD is interested in the process of privatization, in order to purchase a number of shares with other investors, to fund other investors who want to purchase shares or to fund the company for further investments.

As he mentioned, this bank already owns shares in 39 Serbian companies. The rule is, says Patrone, that EBRD always invests in minority block of shares.

- We always demand a place in company board and certain rules and measures in accordance with the shareholder’s agreement to improve governing and operations management. On the other hand, we never interfere daily operations of the company – he explains.