RPT-Czech FinMin sees no major 2007 sell-offs-radio

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Czech Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek said on Wednesday he does not expect any sell-offs of major state-held firms in 2007 other than a previously announced sale of a small stake in energy producer CEZ .

"For this year's budget it (any further privatisations) is ruled out," Kalousek said in a live interview on state radio.

The government has previously said it plans to sell a roughly 5 percent stake in CEZ to raise 31 billion crowns ($1.42 billion) for next year's budget.

The state holds 68 percent in the power company, which has a market capitalisation of $25 billion and is the most valuable Czech asset still awaiting privatisation.

"The sale of state assets is motivated by one goal: To reach 31 billion crowns so we can reduce the budget deficit. The sale of CEZ shares is the only likely way to do this," he added.

[PRAGUE/Reuters/Finance.cz]