Harper Hygienics look for zl. 230 million

According to unofficial information, Harper Hygienics, a French producer of personal hygiene products (tissues, cotton buds, etc.) under the Cleanic brand is looking for a financial investor willing to pump zl. 230 million into the company. The money will be spent on the takeover of competing producers. This should eventually improve the company's market share, which in 2001 was estimated at only 3.5%. Harper wants to tempt the prospective investors with the possibility of a quick increase in sales, as the hygienic goods market is expected to develop in the near future. The average Pole uses only about 3.5 kg of the products in question a year, whereas the average consumption in France is as much as 15 kg a year. The company is expected to diversify its product range but details remain secret and the company's representatives refuse to give any account of the planned investment. (Puls Biznesu, p. 5) K.Z.