OMV reiterates MOL interest after CEZ move

...the merits of MOL's deal with Czech utility CEZ .

"In our view the best move for future consolidation would be (for MOL) to sit down with OMV," OMV spokesman Thomas Huemer said when asked about the MOL-CEZ tie-up.

"The reaction on the capital markets will show whether MOL's latest move will be successful in the long run," he added.

Czech power utility CEZ and MOL agreed on Thursday to form a strategic alliance under which CEZ may buy up to 10 percent in the Hungarian firm.

Analysts said the tie-up would help MOL, with a market capitalisation of $16 billion, fight what it calls a hostile approach by OMV which has accumulated an 18.6 percent stake.

[VIENNA/Reuters/Finance.cz]