Allied Domecq one of 4 possible strategic investors in Polmos Bialystok

Allied Domecq, one of four strategic investors bidding for a stake in spirits producer Polmos Bialystok (PB), may close its due diligence of the firm in August, according to deputy president of PB, Henryk Wnorowski. The Treasury Ministry declared that the buyer must purchase at least a 51% stake, with the option of acquiring an 80% controlling stake. The other three potential investors are Eckes with Vin & Spirit, Warszawska Grupa Kapitalowa Atlas, which has been granted exclusive negotiation rights for the purchase of Polmos Bielsko Biala, as well as Polskie Polnocne Pierze and Puch Roleks, which additionally, together with Henryk Lipski, are negotiating the social package for Polmos Torun. The value of Polmos Bialystok remains unknown, however the Treasury Ministry received zl. 300 million for 80% of Polmos Poznan. In related news, the employees of PPS Polmos Warszawa intend to create a company which would take over the assets of the firm. The newly created company, with a 32% stake held by PPS Polmos employees, will also include investors from the spirits sector which will hold the remaining stake.(Puls Biznesu, p.5) A.Z.