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Spain energy minister: early to state if state will take stake in Naturgy

Spain's Energy Minister Teresa Ribera stated on Thursday that it was still to early for the federal government to evaluate a potential stake in Spanish energy firm Naturgy in view of a possible takeover quote by Abu Dhabi's TAQA.

TAQA verified on Wednesday it is in conversations with the three largest shareholders of Naturgy which could cause a. possible full takeover bid for the largest natural gas company in. Spain.

As such, the federal government will have a say on any. acquisition.

Naturgy and has essential agreements with Algeria and also a. long-lasting agreement to import some 3 billion cubic metres (bcm). of Russian melted natural gas every year.

We will need to see if it makes good sense or not to have actually a. participation of the state in this business, Ribera stated. However I. believe it is premature to consider it. In the meantime, what is needed is. watchful vigilance.

Last December, the government decided to buy a stake of up. to 10% in Telefonica as a counterbalance to the acquisition of a. stake in the telecoms operator by Saudi Arabia's STC. It has. currently obtained a 5% holding.

Ribera stated the government was waiting on more information. on the talks including the business's primary investors and TAQA,. including that it was necessary to make certain Naturgy does not have. any type of issue in its management.