Officially, neither Distrigaz Sud nor E.ON has confirmed its intention to issue a joint offer. “Confidentiality clauses prevent us from offering information,” said representatives of Distrigaz Sud, owned by French Gaz de France.

Another company that hopes to take over PDG is Conef, owned by businessman Dan Adamescu, who also controls Alro Slatina and Megaconstruct. “Conef would derive the greatest advantages from taking over PDG. It has gas from Gazprom, obtained at preferential prices, and can develop through the PDG network,” said market sources. Conef officials refused to comment.

Megaconstruct has only one distribution point, near Bucharest. “Taking over PDG would help the company with 42 distribution points,” said market sources. Adamescu refused to comment on the possible takeover of PDG.

The Competition Council will analyze the effect on the market of the E.ON - Distrigaz Sud consortium. “If it is determined that this takeover could have negative effects on free competition, it will not receive a favorable decision,” said the Vice President of the Competition Council, Alexe Gavrila.