Ex EFL owner to receive EBRD backing in Russian venture?

Famous businessman Leszek Czarnecki, former owner of leasing company Europejski Fundusz Leasingowy (EFL) and former president of Credit Agricole Polska, is preparing to set up a leasing company and a bank in Russia. Part of the investment would be financed through Internet company Getin, of which he was one of the founding members and in which he has had a 59% stake since December 2002. "We are preparing a strategy for the company and we want to transform our e-trade platform into an investment fund," Czarnecki said. He applied for a banking licence in Russia on his own, but it is known that the EBRD might become his business partner there. Other possibilities include entering Romania and further investments in Poland. "My agreement with Credit Agricole does not prohibit me from investing in financial services in Poland," added Czarnecki. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 3) M.M.