Economy Minister Darko Horvat told reporters in Krapina on Sunday that the government was intensively talking to several partners about the Uljanik shipyard and that whether or not a financial offer would follow would be known on January 25.

Asked about negotiations with potential investors in the Uljanik dock, the minister said that as of yet nobody had made an offer, adding however that “a data room” had been opened and that two partners were conducting due diligence.

“We expect another serious partner to join the negotiations in a week. Now we are resuming talks with everyone we see as a potential partner,” Horvat said.

He declined to speak of the names of potential investors adding that the public would be informed of everything on 18 January.

Whether or not the talks will result in a concrete financial offer will be known on January 25, said the minister.

Earlier this month, Horvat said Italy’s Fincantieri and Croatia’s DIV, acting together, and Australia’s Scenic group, which is already building ships in Uljanik, were currently checking data on the state of affairs in the Uljanik and 3. Maj docks. He expressed hope that at least one or two concrete financial offers for a strategic partnership within the Uljanik Group will be made by January 25.

The minister also said that the government would help companies that are facing difficulties but not unconditionally.

“Without a clear restructuring plant without clear prospects, I think it is insane to waste taxpayers’ money and the state budget on companies with no prospects, market or quality products to go out on a marked one day,” said Horvat.