Official says Turkey plans renewed national lottery tender in 2009

Privatization authorities had surprised bidders in the tender, including Europe's largest betting firm OPAP, by setting a $1.62 billion minimum price, which was sharply higher than what the bidders were prepared to offer.

The failure of the tender dealt a blow to Turkey's efforts to raise foreign direct investment at a time when the economy is entering recession.

'We plan to renew the Milli Piyango (national lottery) tender this year,' Privatization Administration (OIB) Chairman Metin Kilci told reporters. 'If necessary there could be changes in the tender conditions and contracts.'

Greece's OPAP, in a consortium with Turkey's Dogus Group and Alarko Holding, had criticised the live tender bidding process. Turkey's leading newspaper Hurriyet called the tender a 'comedy', while business daily Referans said it was a 'fiasco.'

The second grouping was led by Turkey's largest mobile phone operator Turkcell.

The tender was for a 10-year license to operate the lottery. Several companies had pulled out at an earlier stage.

Kilci also said the agency still planned sell-off tenders this year for sugar factories and motorways.