Co-owner of Uralkaliy, Alexander Nesis stated that purchase of Belaruskaliy is very complicated, thus unlikely to occur. Alexander Nesis is the owner of 17.5% of shares of the company. Uralkaliy, controlled by Nesis’ partner Suleiman Kerimov, is considered to be the most likely candidate to buy Belaruskaliy if Belarus facing severe economic crisis, will be forced to sell the asset.

Last week, a source close to shareholders of Uralkaliy, stated to Reuters that buying Belaruskaliy is not considered as a viable option at the moment. Belarusian Vice Premier Vladimir Semashko also noted that there are no negotiations at the moment.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko appraised Belaruskaliy, 15 percent world producer of potash at 30Bn USD. In addition to shares in Uralkali, Nesis through his investment company ICT, owns 5% stake in the Greek bank Piraeus Bank, which was greatly affected during financial crisis in Greece. ICT group also owns minority stakes in Polymetal and has recently completed an IPO of Nomos-bank.

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