CEZ says MOL talks may run on into 2008

...Thursday.

"I cannot tell you exactly whether it would be already this year or early next year, but the negotiations are in a final stage," CEZ Chief Operating Officer Daniel Benes said.

CEZ has delayed the expected conclusion of the talks several times. The last expected date was the end of December.

CEZ and MOL plan a joint venture to build gas-fired power plants in Hungary and Slovakia.

The Czech company would also buy up to a 10 percent stake in MOL, which is trying to fight off a takeover approach by Austrian OMV .

Benes did not disclose any further details.

Chief of CEZ distribution division Tomas Pleskac said CEZ would announce early next year its strategy for a planned expansion to Turkey, where it leads exclusive negotiations with local partner Akenerji .

The low-debt company also plans further acquisitions in Russia, Romania, Poland and elsewhere in central and eastern Europe. (Reporting by Jan Korselt; Editing by Paul Bolding)

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Keywords: CEZ MOL/TALKS

[PRAGUE/Reuters/Finance.cz]