Russian metals major Norilsk Nickel has officially refuted media reports that its CEO and key shareholder Mikhail Prokhorov was planning a multi-million wedding simply to win a bet that he will get married before the age of 42.

The statement issued by the company’s press-service said that Prokhorov was planning to work in Russia in late April-early May 2007, in accordance with his schedule. “All media reports of different plans, including those that tell of the planned wedding, have nothing to do with the reality,” the statement reads.

Earlier this month it was reported that Prokhorov, who has a strong playboy reputation, was planning to hold a $10 million wedding party on Maldives to win a bet that he would get married before the age of 42.

Prokhorov gained notoriety earlier this year after he was detained by police at a French ski resort as part of investigation into international prostitution ring. He was released after several days in custody but no charges were brought against him.

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