Russia may sell stake in gunmaker Kalashnikov to private investors

Rostek, russian state company, is considering to increase the stake of private investors in arm makers Kalashnikov as reported by the Russian news agency Tass. Moreover, the number one Russian conglomerate Sergei Chemezov, would be satisfied to hold 25% plus one share of the capital of the company, namely the controlling stake, while the rest would go into private hands. At the moment Kalashnikov belongs 51% to Rostek, while 49% is owned by private investors, among them the general manager of the company and two Russian oligarchs.

"This issue is at the discussion stage. We will make final decision by the end of the year. I believe it will be enough for us to have 25% plus one share, that is, the blocking stake. The remaining portion will be transferred to private investors," Chemezov said. The matter should also be discussed with government agencies, he added.

After the record sales, turnover rose considerably until 2012, thanks mainly to US customers – the sector is in crisis in the wake of the US sanctions and Europe against Moscow for the war in Ukraine .