Polyus Gold may become a part of Alrosa

As the Kommersant has got to know, after the purchase of Polyus Gold by the Kerimovs the mining company may be sold to Alrosa. The discussion began after last spring the latter was led by Andrei Zharkov, personally acquainted with shareholders of Polyus, and for a while has the character of "prior consultation". The consolidation scheme is not defined, in 2012, Suleiman Kerimov wanted to become a major shareholder in Alrosa. However, the transaction may raise questions among investors of now publicly diamond company: Alrosa has tried to diversify its business, but decided to focus on core activities.

Sources of the Kommersant in investment companies have reported that the largest Russian gold producer Polyus Gold may be sold to Alrosa after the consolidation of its shares by the family of Suleiman Kerimov (Sacturino Ltd of Said Karimova, which owns 40.22% of Polyus, made an offer to purchase shares from minority shareholders before November 3). The idea was raised at the level of leadership of the two companies, said one of the Kommersant’s interlocutors. "This is a preliminary consultation, the various opportunities of the business synergy is discussed," - he explained, added that the contacts started after Andrei Zharkov came to Alrosa (appointed as president in April). The Kommersant’s source close to one of the Alrosa’s shareholders (43.9% belong to the Russian Federation, 25% plus 1 share - to Yakutia) notes that Andrei Zharkov is familiar with a number of the largest shareholders of Polyus.