The Austrian group OMV and Russian group YUKOS as well as the Greek-Soviet consortium LUKOIL are hoping to acquire from 15-30% of the shares of the Greek company, HELPE - HELLENIC PETROLEUM (turnover of EUR 1.5 billion during first half of 2001). In order to give concrete substance to this operation which is part of the government's privatisation programme, the Greek parliament has authorised a reduction of the State' stake in the company from 51% to 35%.