Russia’s largest independent oil producer LUKoil applied to several Spanish banks on Friday for a 5.2 billion euro ($6.5 billion) loan to buy a stake in Repsol YPF, the EFE agency said.
LUKoil is seeking an around 30% stake in Repsol YPF, Spain’s largest private oil and gas company. The stake is valued at 5.09 billion euros ($6.36 billion).
LUKoil officials met in Madrid on Friday with a consortium of the country’s largest banks, including Santander, Caja Madrid, Calyon and Citigroup. In 2006, these banks were involved in a 5.2 billion euro loan to Spain’s Sacyr Vallehermoso construction group for the purchase of a 20% stake in Repsol.
An official from the Catalonian bank La Caixa, which owns 12.68% in Repsol, also attended.
La Caixa announced on Friday it could sell a 10% stake in Repsol to LUKoil, providing LUKoil also agrees to buy a 20% stake owned by Sacyr Vallehermoso, which is seeking funds to repay a debt of over 18 million euros ($22.5 million).
The Spanish insurance company Mutua Madrilena, a minority shareholder that owns a 2% stake in Repsol, also said it was ready to sell its stake to LUKoil if the Russian crude producer offers at least 27 euros ($34) per share and if the deal with Sacyr Vallehermoso, Repsol’s main shareholder, is made.
The banks put forward a number of terms to LUKoil. As a payment guarantee, the Russian company will have to offer Repsol shares and a number of its core assets.
If an agreement is reached with LUKoil, the loan should be approved by all the 48 banks which were involved in a lending program for Sacyr Vallehermoso.
LUKoil has not yet commented on statements by Spanish companies.
