RUSSIAN gas giant Gazprom now has a double in Slovakia.
Gazprom Ltd was entered in the Slovak business registry in early August 2010 with stated initial capital of €500 million, the Slovak media reported on August 17, noting that some €150 million of the initial capital has already been paid in.
The Russian daily Kommersant wrote, as reported by the Sme daily, that Russia has no reason to accuse the new Slovak Gazprom of any dubious activities or deception. The company was founded by Marica Limited, whose principal office is in Malta, along with the Slovak firm Business Park Partizánske.
Kommersant alleged that some shares in Gazprom Ltd are owned by former prime minister Robert Fico, who is the leader of the largest opposition party, Smer. This has not been confirmed and Smer spokesperson Silvia Glendová called the information nonsense.
Sme reported that the original Gazprom said the new Slovak company is not a branch or subsidiary of the Russian firm.
Police President Jaroslav Spišiak confirmed to the Hospodárske Noviny daily that the financial police will examine the company as it is unknown and appears to have significant funding.
