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Bids for LNG blocks:

Cyprus is ready to launch its first international offshore bidding round for 11 exploration blocks for liquefied natural gas (LNG) next week, despite Turkey’s efforts to create tension in the area with war games in order to fend off potential bidders. The first round for tenders will begin on February 15 and end on July 16. Foreign Minister George Lillikas said he was not aware that the companies that expressed interest in the possible oil reserves in Cyprus’ waters had withdrawn their interest after Turkish protests.

Louis plc plans to release a significant part of the real estate value of Louis Hotels either through a “sale and lease-back/ manage-back” plan this year or through a three-year programme of selected sales of hotels which have a low return in relation to their real estate value. The group said it is also looking to expand into new leisure and tourism sectors that would make a perfect fit with its main cruising and hotels activities, while it also aims to

Louis to split hotels:

operate its first resort hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, the 5-star Louis Tiran Sharm in April 2008.

ATHEX

platform:

The Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) wants to promote and further develop the common trading platform with the Cyprus Stock Exchange to include other regional exchanges, said Chairman Spyros Kapralos. He said that if the Bulgarian government proceeds with the privatisation of a 44% stake in the Bulgarian Exchange, then ATHEX will bid for it. The fact that foreign funds control 47% of the Greek market cap and transact 55% of daily turnover is seen by Kapralos as a mark of confidence.