In Brief: Dr Witt buys brewery; Idea and Orange; Podravka; Bumar

Dr Witt has purchased a brewery in Braniewo owned by Browary Żywiec. The new investor intends to use the facilities to produce juice, wines and syrups. The final agreement will be signed by the end of September. (Puls Biznesu, p. 8) ... TPSA has until the end of the year to decide whether to change the name of its Idea mobile brand name to the European one, Orange. "Idea has strengthened its position considerably in recent years, but on the other hand Orange is widely recognized all over Europe, but in Poland this is not the case," said TPSA deputy president Bertrand le Guern. (Puls Biznesu, p. 4) ... Croatian-based food concern Podravka claims that due to high costs and poor conditions on the Polish market, the concern posted a first half net loss of $4.2 million. "Despite that, the restructuring of our companies in Poland is bringing the desired results, so that by the end of the year the profitability of our entities will improve," said the firm's representatives. (www.onet.pl) ... Leading arms producers PHZ Bumar, is set to close export contracts this year worth $700 million. However, banks are reluctant to break their rules to financially underwrite Bumars contracts. As a result the company has turned to the state for assistance. (Puls Biznesu, p. 7) A.Z.