A new approach for billionaire Suleiman Kerimov was received for the purchase of his shareholdings in potash producer OAO Uralkali. The latest offer came from Russian property magnate Alexey Khotin, as confirmed by four sources with knowledge of the matter.
Khotin had contacted Kerimov for 33% shareholdings for the latter's ahares co-owned with two other partners. The sources did not want to be identified as the discussions were ongoing and private in nature.
The apparent lack of direction as to the purchase of the Kerimov stake has dampened the revival of the potash marketing partnership entered into with Belarus. This was unceremoniusly closed upon Uralkali's unilateral withdrawal last July. According to Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said a reconcilation can only happen if Uralkali's ownership changes. Had the partnership pushed through, it would have accounted for 40% of total potash exports globally.
Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov's Onexim, which was confirmed by Bloomberg News, said it was considering a bid through an exchange of assets, including shares in United Co. Rusal and cash.
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