Following a competitive tender process, which involved the main European gas operators, it was decided that Eni had offered the best conditions
Eni announces that it has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Suez for the acquisition of a 57.25% stake in the Belgian company Distrigas.

Following a competitive tender process, which involved the main European gas operators, it was decided that Eni had offered the best conditions.

This period of exclusivity, which will last until May 29th, 2008, will enable Eni to undertake final due diligence. Suez and Eni should sign a definitive sale agreement by May 29th, 2008. The agreement will be conditional on the merger of Suez and Gaz de France, the pre-emption right of Publigas not being exercised and the approval of the European Commission.

Distrigas has been the leading supplier of natural gas to the industry, natural gas resellers and electricity producers in Benelux for over 75 years. Based in Belgium, at the intersection of the main European gas pipelines, Distrigas enjoys a strategic position and will therefore be able to further develop its Western European activities. In 2007, Distrigas reported a turnover of 4.3 billion euros and total sales of 17 billion cubic meters.