MOSCOW — News that RAO UES is contesting additional tax claims for 2001 totaling RUR3.679bn (approx USD131m) will not affect the holding's shares considerably, because the market expected this, Prospect Investment analysts say.

RAO UES has been contesting these claims since the end of last year, and the company's management believes the possibility of a positive result is high. However, analysts admit that the case will end negatively for the energy holding, which will decrease its shares, but only after the decision is made by a court of last resort.

Guta Bank analysts believe this news is moderately negative for the RAO UES shares market. The share of additional payments may reach approximately 1 percent of the company's current capitalization.