* The acquisitions on the Romanian market to continue after the takeover of "Petrom Distribuţie Gaze"

Reporter: What is the strategy of Ligatne Ltd for expansion on the Romanian natural gas distribution market, by acquiring Petrom Distribuţie Gaze?

Alexandru Bucşă: Since I became the general manager of Gaz Sud, in November 2011, I talked to the shareholders of the company, which also own GDR, about reinforcing our position on the market. Petrom Distribuţie Gaze was the most attractive distribution company for us, given its market share and the distribution of its clients across the country.

Our shareholders' target is to become number three after GDF Suez and E.ON, on the market for the distribution of natural gas in Romania. Presently, GDF Suez and E.ON currently hold about 90% of the market, and the remaining 10% is divided between the small operators. After this acquisition, Petrom Distribuţie Gaze, Gaz Sud and GDR will come to hold between 3 and 4% of the distribution market. The acquisition of Petrom Distribuţie Gaze was an important step towards reaching our goal to become number three.

I want to mention that the takeover of Petrom Distribuţie gaze will take place once we get the approval of the Competition Council. We will notify the Council about the deal as soon as possible. Essentially, the company will become part of our group starting in autumn, by October at the latest, we hope.

Reporter: Does Ligatne also seek other acquisitions on the market for the distribution of natural gas?

Alexandru Bucşă: From now on, we are still looking at 2-3 acquisitions to reach the market share goal we have set for ourselves, but price is very important, as is the timing of the sale of those companies.

The business with the distribution of natural gas is neither very easy, nor very hard. It is hard to make great profits when you ar