U.S. giant is in talks with Yukos, Putin says

[Nottingham]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/business/2141445

U.S. giant is in talks with Yukos, Putin says
Reuters News Service
MOSCOW -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin said Russian oil major Yukos was talking to Exxon Mobil about selling a big portion of its stock to the United States oil giant, Kremlin officials said Monday.

"It is above all a company matter, but, of course, this could possibly be a very large deal. I think it would be right if preliminary consultations with the Russian government are held," Putin said.

It was the first official confirmation that negotiations between the two firms over a possible share deal, which have been rumored for weeks, were in fact taking place.

Irving-based Exxon Mobil is reported to be interested in buying up to 40 percent of Yukos, which completed a merger last week with smaller rival Sibneft.
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Maybe this is why Bush had Putin to Camp David! :bounce: