19.01.2017
RBC appeals court decision on Rosneft’s claim
Moscow,
January 19, 2017 - RBC OJSC
(Moscow exchange: RBCM) informs that on January 19, 2017, RBC group of
companies filed an appeal against the Moscow Arbitration Court’s
decision regarding Rosneft’s
claim.
RBC
intends to nullify the trial court’s
decision as it considers the claimed defamatory nature of the article Sechin seeks
governmental protection for Rosneft from BP unsubstantiated, and the
reputational damage nonexistent.
The
article titled “Sechin seeks governmental protection for Rosneft from BP” focused
on preparations for the privatization of 19.5% of Rosneft, mentioning the fact
that BP might acquire a blocking stake in the company as a result. Rosneft’s
president Igor Sechin warned Russian policymakers of the possible risks, so the
government hired Intesa bank as a consultant in the deal. Finally, the
privatization process was complete and treated as a success by experts as well
as high-ranking government officials. Rosneft’s
actions were compliant with international practice of protecting state
interests.
In
order to clarify the circumstances related to the information published in the
article, RBC will ask the appeal court to request information received from the
government of the Russian Federation, Intesa bank, and BP during the
privatization of Rosneft shares.
“RBC
to pay 8 thousand times less than the original claim by Rosneft: trial court
ruling.” It means that
from now on the sides can debate the level of professional responsibility,
rather than “the price of
absurdity.” RBC
journalists wrote the material based on information they received from three
sources (in compliance with RBC’s
editorial standards). RBC editors who published this article were guided by
RBC’s concept — important
news about business and for business. We have studied the actions of our
editorial staff in the preparation of this article and we have confirmation
that it contains strictly factual information. We would like to understand how
the situation would change if expert estimates and information obtained in the
course of the deal are taken into account by the appeal court,” continues
Nikolay Molibog.
The
Ninth Arbitration Court of Appeal will consider RBC’s
appeal within the period of two months from the current date, as the law
requires.
On December 12, 2016,
the Moscow Arbitration Court ruled to partially satisfy Rosneft’s
claim, ordering RBC group of companies and journalists Timofei Dzyadko, Maxim
Tovkaylo, and Lyudmila Podobedova to pay Rosneft RUB 390,000. The court also
ruled to remove the article titled “Sechin seeks governmental protection for
Rosneft from BP”, which became the subject of the lawsuit, and to publish a
retraction.
Press and investor contacts:
Maria Sorokina, Egor TimofeevTел.: +7 (495) 363-1111
Email: msorokina@rbc.ru, etimofeev@rbc.ru
Web: www.rbcholding.ru