Foreign investors may participate in Russian Helicopters privatization in 2016

The blocking stake of Russian Helicopters may be privatized in 2016, the Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said on Friday, adding that foreign investors may participate in privatization.

"As far as Russian Helicopters are concerned we’re always searching for strategic, portfolio investors so it’s not ruled out that the blocking stake will be sold by (State Corporation - TASS) Rostec," Manturov said.

The minister added that various options are considered, including stock sale to foreign investors.

In mid-January the minister said that the company could be privatized this year, adding that the option of privatizing a 25% stake by a strategic investor was considered. According to Chief Executive Officer Alexander Mikheev, Russian Helicopters may start consultations to entice new investors in the first quarter of this year.