Elektrim takes steps to strengthen its position on the energy market

Elektrim has moved swiftly to strengthen its position on the energy market, following last week's sale of its telecommunications interests. The company has announced plans for a joint bid for the G8 group of energy companies. Elektrim's partners in the so-called El-Dystrybucja consortium are the Energia company, which is a subsidiary of Kulczyk Holding, as well as PKN Orlen and Polish Oil and Gas (PGNiG). According to Wlodzimierz Szyszko, chairman of energy trader Elektrim-Volt, the G8 group is a natural partner for Elektrim, since it already supplies the group with 4.6TWh of power a year. However, Elektrim and its partners face strong competition in their bid, principally from Electrabel of Belgium, E.ON of Germany, and Iberdrola of Spain. However, Elektrim holds a trump card, namely its promise of prompt payment to the Treasury. Among other moves to strengthen its energy interests, Elektrim plans to purchase the Konin coal mine, to increase its holding in the PAK power plant, and to start importing energy from Russia. (Puls Biznesu, p. 10) M.T.