Cost cutting venture could see merger between Rolimpex and Dutch Provimi

Warsaw-based agriculture holding Rolimpex and its Dutch strategic investor Provimi are planning to cut costs, possibly leading to a merger. Experts at Pricewaterhouse-Coopers have conducted a preliminary analysis which concludes that both companies might achieve substantial savings in the animal food sector if they decide to cooperate more closely. "Both entities have some operating synergies, which we will try to benefit from," said president of Rolimpex Andrzej Budziński. He refused to reveal details, but Rolimpex has already hired advisor Rotschild Polska to evaluate all potential options for closer cooperation. "This might take a few months. I believe that we will decide which option to choose at the end of the year," explained Budziński. He said that lower net profit growth was due to leaving the restructuring phase and entering mature and more stable phase. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 6) M.M.