"The more bidders the better," remarked the minister.
"The Yuganskneftegaz was bought up by an unknown company, you say. That is no cause for alarm. What matters most is a transparent deal in what concerns the money source and the purchaser," he went on.
Mr. Gref refused to answer how a group of private persons could afford to buy the company.
"No comments," said the minister. "I do not know the [Baikalfinansgrup] company, and I cannot reply. It is not my duty to know every company, even though a huge deal is involved in this particular case."
Some reporter asked if the Surgutneftegaz was behind the Yuganskneftegaz purchase. "I have not the slightest idea who may be behind it," German Gref answered.
Moreover, the minister was asked to comment on the decision to sell off Gazpromneft [Gazprom gas monopoly oil branch.
"I do not think anything of it. I got the information from news agencies as late as the small hours today," Mr. Gref said to that.
