Ciech will consolidate its soda production plants

Ciech controls both existing soda plants in Poland, the Janików based, Janikosoda, and Soda-Mątwy in Inowrocław. A merger of the two companies will increase Ciech's value, which will add to high net profits of zł. 55 million generated by each of the companies independently in 2003. "A merger of Ciech with the soda companies will lead to lowering administrative costs and prepare the company to engage the competition on the EU market. We are expecting a price increase of raw materials as well as distribution services. An integrated entity will have a better chance to acquire additional capital," said Marek Klat, the head of Ciech's press office. The management of the chemical concern does not want to reveal the details of the deal. It was revealed, however, that the soda producers will lose independence and will become Ciech's subsidiaries, a plan which will not be accepted by the trade unions. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) A.K.