OREANDA-NEWS. December 21, 2007. "We did not examine the proposal as a real offer and therefore we are not going to respond to it" told journalists Andrey Klishas, Director General of Interros, reported the press-centre of Interros.

Speaking of the idea to merge Norilsk Nickel and United Company Rusal, with which Prokhorov have discussed selling his stake if Interros did not exercise its right to buy it first, Klishas said that potentially it is "interesting and useful" but all depends on its terms.

"The market will value the merge for its synergy. But you know that what really matters at all times is the price. If the merge brings profit it’s a bargain for everyone" added Klishas. According to him, "Interros has not yet conducted negotiations with Rusal. If Rusal offers Interros such a deal our company will discuss the matter". Andrey Klishas also added that Norilsk Nickel is a public company and rights of all shareholders should be guarded. According to him, a provisional commission of Norilsk Nickel’s independent directors will appear to protect the rights of minority shareholders.

Background
On 21 November Mikhail Prokhorov's Onexim Group offered Vladimir Potanin to purchase a 25% plus one share stake in Norilsk Nickel for $15,7 billion, the price calculated on the market average for the last 30 days: $293,6 per share plus 12,5% premium.

In return Interros made its own offer to buy Mikhail Prokhorov’s stake.

Interros, which had the right of first refusal, was conditioned to accept or decline the offer within 30 days and close the deal within 45 days. Later Rusal and Onexim announced signing an agreement to establish a metals and mining corporation on the basis of Rusal’s and Onexim’s assets if Vladimir Potanin declines to purchase Mikhail Prokhorov’s stake in Norilsk Nickel.