Sistema is now investing over 3 billion dollars in various projects, Novitsky said. "We are seeking to double that amount. To be able to do that, we will have to use all instruments-bonds, syndicated loans, and IPO."
Asked by RIA about the company's plans to buy a controlling stake in the Moscow City Telephone Network, Novitsky said that the deal was now being negotiated.
At present, Sistema owns and runs a diversified investment portfolio in telecommunications operators (such as MTS and Comstar), electronics makers (Micron), insurance companies (ROSNO), real estate groups (Sistema-Gals), tourist agencies (Intourist), and retailers (Detsky Mir), among others.
Five years ago, Sistema set up a separate company for running its telecommunications assets, Sistema Telecom. The group incorporates over fifty communications operators with the combined turnover at 2 billion dollars. They are involved with mobile (MTS and its subsidiaries) and fixed telecommunications systems (the Moscow City Telephone Network). Sistema operators of fixed telecommunications networks (such as MTU-Inform, MTU-Intel, Telmos, Comstar, and Golden Line) are now in the process of merging.
On Friday, Sistema and the Russian Emergencies Ministry signed a general agreement on strategic partnership in developing and implementing joint projects and programs.
The two have a great deal of shared interests, noted Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu noted. Sistema CEO Novitsky said, for his part, that his company cannot stay away from processes going on in the country and will be delighted to provide its high technologies for programs of importance to the nation. What Sistema seeks is mutually beneficial cooperation, not super profits, he emphasized.
The newly signed agreement envisages, among other things, the supply of five Ka-226 helicopters, manufactured by the Kamov group. The Emergencies Ministry will get multi-purpose helicopters, provided with ambulance, rescue and transportation modules, Kamov President and Chief Designer Sergei Mikheyev said. All the five aircraft will be delivered before the end of next year, he added. Two of the helicopters will be test-piloted this summer.
The agreement also provides for the development of navigation and telematics systems to control distant mobile objects, the creation of monitoring and data communications systems, and the introduction of innovative medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to help people affected by natural or manmade disasters.
