March 30 (Reuters) - The United States on Monday extended a license by a month to May 1 for companies to talk with Russian energy company Lukoil about buying its foreign assets, according to a release
US extends deadline for potential buyers of Lukoil assets to May 1
Extension of Deadline for Lukoil Asset Negotiations
March 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. on Monday extended a deadline for the fourth time for companies to negotiate with Russia's Lukoil about buying its foreign assets after Washington imposed sanctions on the energy company last year.
Details of the Deadline Extension
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control extended the deadline this time by a month to May 1 for companies interested in buying the foreign assets that are worth about $22 billion.
Background on Sanctions
Washington imposed sanctions in October on Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, and Rosneft, its top producer, to reduce Moscow's ability to pay for its war on Ukraine.
Potential Buyers of Lukoil Assets
Parties interested in the assets have included U.S. private equity firm Carlyle, U.S. oil majors Exxon Mobil and Chevron Corp, Abu Dhabi conglomerate International Holding Company, and Austrian investor Bernd Bergmair, the former majority owner of an adult entertainment group that includes website Pornhub.
Approval Requirements for Deals
Any specific deals struck with Lukoil over the assets will require OFAC approval.
Political Context and Previous Delays
The Trump administration slowed the sale of Lukoil's international assets to pressure Russia in Ukraine peace talks, four sources told Reuters in February.
(Reporting by Timothy Gardner and Costas Pitas; editing by Daphne Psaledakis and Rod Nickel)
