The statement says that YUKOS is in constant talks with the world’s leading energy corporations on a whole range of possible joint business projects. However, so far, there are no concrete agreements on the sale of a large stake in the company. This statement has been issued in connection with rumors about the sale of a blocking stake in YUKOS to the American corporations ExxonMobil and ChevronTexaco.

YUKOS sees these rumors as speculative and contradicting the principles of honest business conduct. As commenting on rumors contradicts the company’s policy, YUKOS will neither confirm nor deny such information, it is said in the company’s press release.

However, according to a number of analysts, rumors about the sale of YUKOS’ shares are beneficial to the shareholders of the company, in the first place. In the opinion of Mr. Isakhanyan, an analyst quoted by the Vremya Novostei newspaper, “it is in the best interests of YUKOS itself to make no secret of this deal”, in order to raise the value of the company.

The American newspaper Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that ExxonMobil and ChevronTexaco were expected to make preliminary announcements about the purchase of a 25 percent in YukosSibneft later this week. According to the newspaper, the stake will cost an estimated $11bn. YUKOS’ shares rose 2.72 percent on these rumors, to $15.08 per share.