Discussions with Lithuanian Gas consultant begin

VILNIUS (BNS) - Discussions with the winner of a search for a
consultant to advise on the privatization of Lietuvos Dujos - a
consortium led by the French bank BNP Paribas - began July 3.
Consortium representatives arrived in Lithuania after the local press
reported if they didn't come within the week, negotiations might be
withdrawn.

The head of the search committee, Deputy Economics Minister Vytenis
Junevicius, said BNP Paribas officials wanted to finish discussions
by July 3. Junevicius didn't discount the idea that negotiations
might remain unconcluded after two days.

If no agreement can be made with the winner of the search, the
company in second place will be invited to negotiate - a consortium
led by PriceWaterhouseCoopers. The BNP Paribas consortium was
announced the winner on June 12. It was thought negotiations would
commence immediately, but representatives of the French bank never
showed up.

The consortium led by Paribas is made up of investment firm National
Economic Research Associates, engineering consulting firm Ramboll,
financial brokerage firm Vilfima and legal services firm Glimstedt.