Signature for what was decided long ago

The state-owned Rosneftegaz transferred 166.371 billion rubles to Gazprom for a 10.74% stake in the gas concern, writes today's Kommersant. The completion of the deal to increase the government's share in Gazprom to a controlling stake was the only obstacle to the liberalization of Gazprom shares. The corresponding bill has already been approved by the State Duma and the Federation Council. It is expected that the Russian president will sign the document on December 26, and this will actually legitimize Gazprom’s status as a gas state monopolist.