April 20 (Reuters) - Germany will begin privatization of the unit of Gazprom seized by Berlin post Russia's 2022 assault on Ukraine, its chief executive told the Financial Times in an interview
German energy firm SEFE plans capital increase to start privatisation process
SEFE's Capital Increase and Privatisation Strategy
Background and Nationalisation
April 20 (Reuters) - German energy group SEFE, seized from Russia's Gazprom in 2022, has proposed a capital increase of up to $2.35 billion, it said on Monday, hoping to start a privatisation process under which Berlin must cut its stake to a blocking minority by end-2028.
Operating under Gazprom Germania until it was ditched by its former parent, SEFE was rescued by Germany in a 6.3-billion-euro nationalisation during Europe's energy crisis four years ago following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Details of the Proposed Capital Increase
SEFE said such a capital increase, if approved, could be implemented over the next nine to 12 months.
It said it had proposed the capital increase of 1.5 billion to 2 billion euros to Germany's Economy Ministry, which oversees Berlin's ownership of the company, and that talks over the matter were underway.
SEFE's Role in Germany's Energy Sector
A vital part of Germany's gas supply, SEFE - which stands for Securing Energy for Europe - operates 4,200 km (2,610 miles), or 10%, of Germany's gas network system. It is also an energy trader.
Regulatory Requirements and EU Rules
European Union rules require Germany to cut its stake to no more than 25% plus one share by 2028 in exchange for allowing the 2022 bailout, a condition that also applies to Berlin's 99.12% ownership of SEFE's peer Uniper.
Government and Management Perspectives
German Economy Ministry's Position
The German Economy Ministry said it was exploring several options as part of SEFE's planned reprivatisation, adding no decisions had been taken yet and that there was no firm timeframe.
SEFE CEO's Comments on Privatisation
SEFE CEO Egbert Laege told the Financial Times, which first reported the capital increase plans, that the Iran war had lent momentum to the privatisation plans, with constrained Middle East gas flows highlighting the importance of reliable suppliers.
Potential Future Steps
Germany plans to dilute its SEFE holding after the initial capital increase, potentially via another selloff, an initial public offering or other options, Laege added.
"Given the short time in which we're operating, maybe the IPO is a bit difficult for us but in the end this is up to the markets and it's a decision for the government," he said.
Additional Information
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(Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt and Holger Hansen in Berlin; additional reporting by Alexander Ratz; editing by Ronojoy Mazumdar, Mrigank Dhaniwala and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
