Lukoil: Many interested, nobody certain
Russian energy group Lukoil is reportedly preparing to sell its largest Balkan asset, the Lukoil Neftohim Burgas refinery, to a Qatar-British consortium, according to Financial Times sources.
While the group aims to conclude a deal by year-end, insiders reveal that the sale may involve Lukoil's entire Bulgarian operation. Although the FT initially suggested a preferred buyer in Oryx Global and London-based DL Hudson, official statements from Lukoil have since downplayed any finalized agreements. Currently, a range of international players remains interested, which include KazMunayGas, Socar and MOL, yet regulatory and political considerations could delay the final outcome.
Payhawk targeting growth
Fintech company Payhawk achieved a remarkable 114% increase in revenue in 2023, reaching 12.6 million euro, with plans to continue doubling revenues into 2024 and 2025.
According to financial reports from Payhawk Limited, the U.K.-registered parent entity, gross profit rose by 77%, totaling 9.7 million euro, though this figure primarily reflects turnover by only accounting for direct sales costs. Factoring in marketing, administration, and amortization, the company's 2023 operational loss reached 33.9 million euro, with a net loss of 35 million euro, up from a 25 million euro operating and 8.5 million euro net loss in 2022. Based on EBITDA, losses increased similarly, standing at 32 million euro compared to just over 24 million euro in the previous year.
Rashkov supports annulment of recent election
All individuals with known criminal nicknames suspected of vote-buying are well-known to the Ministry of Interior, stated former Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov on the TV program The Day with Veselin Dremdzhiev.
According to Rashkov, authorities should have "warned" them preemptively, calling them in to make clear they're being monitored to avoid legal consequences. He cited voter trends in Roma neighborhoods in Haskovo, where votes were notably split between the MRF-New Start party of Peevski and GERB, with a fivefold increase in such votes since his tenure.
Rashkov voiced support for annulment of the recent election, asserting that serious societal concerns warrant verification processes to prevent governance by individuals allegedly deemed corrupt by U.S. authorities.
Lukoil: Many interested, nobody certain
Russian energy group Lukoil is reportedly preparing to sell its largest Balkan asset, the Lukoil Neftohim Burgas refinery, to a Qatar-British consortium, according to Financial Times sources.
