Opportunity

2010 Timetable1

Energy and transport

Electricity distribution companies

Privatisations in this field continue with the privatisation tenders for the shares of Camlibel, Firat, Uludag and Vangolu electricity distribution companies. Bidders must file their final bids by 12 February 2010.

The Privatisation Authority (PA) will also hold new tenders for the remaining companies in its portfolio. Ahmet Aksu, the vice-president of the PA, mentioned that the PA may hold new tenders for three more distribution companies in mid-2010.

Electricity generation companies.

19 groups comprising 52 hydroelectric stations owned by Elektrik Uretim A.S. will be privatised by a transfer of operating rights. Bidders must file their final bids by 19 February 2010.

Electricity wholesale companies.

The Privatisation High Council decided (on 3 December 2009) to privatise 20% of distribution company Kayseri ve Civari Elektrik T.A.S. by selling the shares currently owned by the state-owned wholesale company TETAS. According to the decision the privatisation will complete in 18 months.

Toll rights on highways/bridges.

Toll rights on highways/bridges are still in the portfolio of the Privatisation Administration (PA). The draft law enabling the privatisation of motorways/ bridges is still before the Parliament. Ahmet Aksu has stated to the media that, once the Parliament passes the relevant law amending certain laws to enable the PA to open this tender, the PA is planning to open the tender in the first quarter of 2010.

Health

Construction and lease of Kayseri and Ankara Hospitals.

The authorities first scheduled the Kayseri project, the pilot health PPP tender, for 2009. However, this was later postponed to 2010. The pre-qualification tender took place on 23 October 2009 and eight bidders qualified.

The pre-qualification tender for the Ankara project, the second health PPP project, will take place on 24 February 2010.

Other

Malatya, Erzincan, Elazig and Elbistan state-owned sugar plants

Bidders previously needed to file final bids by 21 January 2010. However, the State of Council made a stay of execution decision over the tender due to legal claims trying to cancel the tender specifications. There is now no date by which bidders need to file final bids.

TEKEL Tutun, Tutun Mamulleri, Tuz ve Alkol İsletmeleri A.S.'s shares in Kazakistan JTI Central Asia LLP.

Bidders must file their final tender bids for the block sale of Tutun Mamulleri, Tuz ve Alkol Isletmeleri A.S.'s 20% shares in Kazakistan JTI Central Asia LLP before 5 February 2010.

National lottery (Milli Piyango).

There is not yet any certain timetable for the national lottery company Milli Piyango.

Airports.

The State Airports Authority has recently made a tender announcement for Zafer (Kutahya-Afyon-Usak) Regional Airport. Bidders much make their final bids by 9.30am on 1 March 2010.

Galataport.

Ahmet Aksu has stated to the media that authorities aim to complete the Galataport tender in 2010.

Footnote

1. Note: these 2010 timetables should not be seen as definitive. They are based on the most recent statements by either the Turkish Finance Minister or the Privatisation Authority.

Guner Law Office was established in 1996 and has since grown into one of the major corporate, M&A, banking, litigation, energy and TMT practices in Turkey. Guner Law Office is headed by Ece Guner and works with international law firm Denton Wilde Sapte.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.