Elektrim's Internet woes continue as Empik.com suspends operations

One of Poland's largest online stores, Empik.com, which is owned by Elektrim subsidiary Easy Net, has suspended its operations. According to Elektrim spokesperson Ewa Bojar, Easy Net is currently undergoing restructuring, and is at the same time holding negotiations with potential investors. Elektrim spent $38 million in 2001 on the purchase of Easy Net and AGS New Media, the other company that has until now managed Empik.com. Bojar explains that all Elektrim's Internet interests are experiencing similar difficulties. "Restructuring means cutting down on their costs. We're trying to find investors for them," she told Puls Biznesu. Elektrim recently sold pol and.com to the portal's management for zl.50,000, having initially invested zl.26 million in the service. Two other Elektrim interests, data trans mission companies Inter-Net Polska and Polish Phonesat, have both filed for bankruptcy. (Puls Biznesu, p. 8) M.T.K.