- Portugal: The Portuguese government has received four offers to buy a share in the oil group GALP ENERGIA of between 33.33% and 47.59%. US company CARLYLE is seen as the favourite in front of VIACER from Portugal, the British CVC PARTNERS and the group of José de Mello. - Czech Republic: Polish company PKN ORLEN is on the point of taking over 63% of UNIPETROL's capital from its Czech counterpart. The company is currently being privatised for USD 479 million (99 Czech Crowns per share) ORLEN is the only candidate that has demonstrated an interest in the offer. - Bulgaria: BAT - BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO will be taking part in the la privatisation of BULGARTABAK, the publicly owned company specialised in tobacco. The operation will begin next month and is expected to be closed at the end of the year.