Domestic brewer to sell off assets in attempt to streamline operations

Domestic brewer Okocim is planning to unload its Chociwel operations and close down its Krakow-based brewing plant in a move to rid itself of redundant facilities, according to company head Marcin Pirog The sale of the Chociwel brewery should be finalized by the end of this month, fetching an estimated zl.15 million to zl.18 million, with the brewery in Krakow to be closed by 2003. The Chociwel plant's maximum yearly output equals 200,000 hectoliters. It is widely believed that it will be taken over by one of Poland's beer-bottling companies. At present, Okocim is undergoing restructuring. According to sector insiders, the brewery could regain its market position if it made some new acquisitions and modernized its plants. Analysts say if Okocim did this it could up its market share to 15% in two to three years' time. Danish brewing giant Carlsberg holds the majority stake in Okocim. (Puls Biznesu, p.3) M.S.C.