The sale is due to take place by the end of the year and is open to all
private legal entities registered in Russia with prior experience of
railway operations. An independent valuer has reportedly set the
minimum price of the sale at Roubles 115.5bn ($US 4.15bn). The final
minimum sale price will be determined on the basis of a report by the
valuer 30 days before the date of the auction is announced.

Six Russian companies have already registered bids, including
railfreight operator NefteTransServis; two subsidiaries of Globaltrans;
Transoil, and Independent Transport Company.