ROME (MF-Dow Jones)--The privatization process of Italian
utility Acea SpA (ACE.MI) can start this year, Rome's mayor Gianni
Alemanno said Tuesday.
Alemanno added however that the privatization process would have
to take into account market conditions.
Rome's mayor said "there's no rush" on the sale and added the
process has to be managed with the maximum transparency, aiming at
the best result for both the citizens and the local
administration.
GDF Suez SA (GSZ.FR) owns a 9.9% stake in Acea and the companies
have an electricity venture. Rome City Hall owns a 51% stake in
utility.
Relations between GDF Suez and Acea have been strained since
last year, when Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno expressed concern over
the dominant role GDF Suez would have in a bigger alliance that
would include natural gas.
--By Carlo Renda, with MF-Dow Jones, and Giada Zampano, Dow
Jones Newswires; +39 06 69766925; giada.zampano@dowjones.com