Enel is discussing the sale of a thermal power plant in Russia

by Anastasia Lyrchikova and Katya Golubkova

MOSCOW/ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) – Enel (MI:ENEI) is continuing discussions at an advanced stage with the Russian businessman Andrei Melnitchenko relating to the sale of the thermal power plant Reftinskaia of Enel, said on Friday to Reuters, three sources aware of the negotiations.

Enel, which develops in the wind farm in the world, including Russia, has decided to sell this plant in 2016 and has committed Sberbank as a bank board.

Francesco Starace, ceo of Enel, said this week that he thought the signing of the sale would be in June.

ESN Group, owned by businessman Grigory Berezkine, and Sibgenco, society of Melnitchenko, have submitted bids for the power plant.

Two of the sources said that Enel wanted to 25 billion rubles (344 million euros) for it.

Enel Russia, which sells the asset, and a spokesman for Meltchinenko have refrained from any comment.

Berezkine, when asked about it Friday, told the press that he was interested in a transaction.

(Wilfrid Exbrayat for the French service)