Security Institutions should check the winner of the auction for the sale of KVV Liepājas metalurgs rolling stock equipment – Austrian Smart Stahl GmbH, said Economy Minister Arvils Ašeradens.
The minister said the buyer picked for KVV Liepājas metalurgs rolling stock equipment would be checked as soon as they transferred the money, thereby demonstrating readiness to acquire the said equipment.
“We’re not discussing a metallurgical company – we’re talking about a part of one. In this particular case, it is not a subject that requires inspection by the state. Of course, security institutions should check if investors are part of any companies under sanctions or if there are any risks for state security associated with them,” said Ašeradens.
Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis said that the sale procedure was for specific assets of KVV Liepājas metalurgs. He said he doubted the company had any chance of recovering.
“It is unlikely that this could lead to some long-term threat. Nevertheless, we will keep an eye on the situation,” said the prime minister.
Former KVV Liepājas metalurgs insolvency administrator and organizer of the auction Guntars Koris noted that contenders were not checked.
“No, I have not checked that and I do not have that kind of duty. The law does not require it,” he said.
The auction for the sale of the insolvent KVV Liepājas metalurgs rolling mill equipment ended with the victory of Austrian Smart Stahl GmbH.
The Austrian company won the auction with its price – EUR 1.57 million (without VAT) or EUR 1.9 million (with VAT). Smart Stahl GmbH is expected to transfer funds by March 31.
There were three contenders in total: Austrian Smart Stahl GmbH and Latvian companies SIA Tolmets and SIA FeLM. (BNN/Ukrainian metal)