Austrian Businessman Seeks to Buy Sanctioned Lukoil Assets

Bernd Bergmayr, an Austrian businessman who previously owned a controlling stake in a group in the adult entertainment industry and has Pornhub in his portfolio, has approached the U.S. Department of the Treasury with an interest in purchasing the international assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil (LKOH.MM), which is under sanctions.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the information is corroborated in global financial circles based on information gathered from people close to the process.

In light of the sanctions on Lukoil, it announced that it is seeking buyers abroad, with several potential investors reaching out to the United States for permission to negotiate with the company, including Exxon Mobil and Chevron.

Through his lawyer, Bergmayr declined to disclose which assets specifically interest him, whether he has contacted Lukoil, or whether he is part of an investment consortium.