The government on Thursday re-invited initial bids for sale of 51 per cent stake in National Fertilisers Limited to a strategic partner.

Interested parties would be required to submit their expression of interest for acquiring majority stake in the fertiliser major by February 10, sources said.

The government had earlier invited initial bids for NFL in late 2000 and had received expression of interest from a number of parties in response.

However, with the number of policy initiatives including decisions on fertiliser pricing and settlement of outstanding dues, there had been a material change in the existing financial position and prospective business and operating environment prompting government to re-invite bids for the company.

Sources said companies, which had earlier expressed interest would now be required to send a communique to the global advisor Rabo India Finance confirming their continued interest in the company.