RIA Novosti citing Mr Vladimir Dmitriyev Vnesheconombank head as saying that Russia Vnesheconombank acquisition of a 2.7% stake in the country largest state controlled gas export monopoly Gazprom from E.ON Ruhrgas is a long term strategic investment.

He said that "We are not intending to sell it, because it is a long-term investment. We have acquired this stake to manage our surplus liquidity as a strategic investment."

He declined to mention the volume of the deal saying the shares were bought at market price and the bank expected them to show good growth.

(Sourced from RIA Novosti)