Pires de Lima: “What make the horse Rain” who thinks … – Business Journal – Portugal

Pires de Lima: "What make the horse Rain" who thinks … – Business Journal – Portugal

Pires de Lima: “What make the horse Rain” who thinks that TAP will be privatized under pressure

Still, the economy minister says the decision should be taken in the coming weeks because, otherwise, “the time window closes.” About New Bank, says Pires de Lima, told the Economic Daily, must be sold as fast as possible.

The Economy Minister Pires de Lima, acknowledges that the airline has experienced moments of great “operational stress” in recent months. However, this should not be used to justify a hasty privatization “and made in conditions that do not value it.”

“To that I say no! TAP will not be privatized under pressure and take the horse of Rain who bet on that, “said the minister, told the Economic Daily.

The official also added that, today, the TAP is worth more than it was two years ago, because it has better results and less debt and , therefore, “who knows how to appreciate companies, has the obligation to account and submit a decent proposal.”

Although the disposal scenario of a hasty sale, the ruler defends some speed in the privatization process and should be decided in the coming weeks. “A decision on privatization or no privatization of TAP should be taken in the coming weeks,” he said in the same interview. “Or if you make the decision in these next few weeks or the time window closes.”

The operation can take place next year, “but it is hardly reasonable” as we are “pending elections” . added

About the privatization model, Pires de Lima admits three scenarios: “not privatize, privatize up to 49% keeping the state a majority position or privatize up to 100%.” As the candidates there, for there are already four expressions of interest deemed credible by the Government.

If TAP can not be sold under pressure, the New Bank shall be sold as quickly as possible. “I hope this institution reaches its final port quickly,” said the minister. “There is a consensus that there would be any advantage that the New Bank was placed on the market, sold and had a stable shareholder in so short a time as possible.”