"We know that there are many interests regarding the purchase of VTB Bank. However, no request for permission was officially submitted to the National Bank. At this stage, we do not have the right to publicly announce specific companies and names. However, we can assure you that any transaction will be done transparently, only in full compliance with the requirements of international sanctions and applicable legislation. VTB Bank is sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury, therefore, any transaction related to its purchase and sale must be agreed by the parties with the US Department of the Treasury. The National Bank will approve the transaction only in the case of this consent," the SEB statement said.

According to reports, Davit Khidasheli, a Georgian businessman working in Russia, is interested in the purchase of VTB BANK Georgia.