Founder, co-owner Shishkarev approaches VTB for financing to buy out Rosatom's stake in Delo Group, no decision yet - VTB president Kostin

MOSCOW. April 8 (Interfax) - Sergei Shishkarev, founder and co-owner of Delo Group, has approached VTB for financing to buy out the stake of Rosatom state nuclear energy corporation in the group, but no decision has been reached to date.

"I have approached them, but I do not think that we have decided on the matter yet. We will see," VTB President and Board Chairman Andrei Kostin told reporters in Moscow in response to the corresponding question.

Shishkarev previously announced his intention to secure a bridge loan to buy out Rosatom's 49% stake valued at 74 billion rubles. Shishkarev also agreed to establish a joint venture with Rostec for the strategic management of Delo Group after Rosatom's exit. He added that the option of Rostec subsequently repaying the bridge loan is under consideration.

Rosatom previously said that it was initiating a mutual buyout offer (Russian roulette) in Delo Group amid disagreements with Shishkarev. In early March, Shishkarev officially notified Rosatom of his intention to purchase the state corporation's 49% stake in Delo Management Company.

Unified State Registry of Legal Entities (USRLE) data indicate that Shishkarev owns 51% of Delo Management Company and Rosatom owns 49%.