Regarding the information released by some media about alleged talks being underway between Oleg Deripaska and Vladimir Potanin on merging of UC RUSAL and Norilsk Nickel, UC RUSAL states the following:

Oleg Deripaska does not carry out any talks with Vladimir Potanin about a possible merger of UC RUSAL and Norilsk Nickel. No confidentiality agreement has been discussed or signed between them.

UC RUSAL considers its acquisition of 25% plus two shares as a strategic investment and still intends to pursue all legal remedies to protect its interests as the company’s shareholder.