In Brief: Merloni Indesit Polska, GE Capital Bank, Agros Fortuna, Sonda

In the first half of 2002, the sales of Merloni Indesit Polska, a white goods producer, reached zl. 215 million. This result is 26% better than last year. The higher income was achieved due to a good export rate (about 80% of the Polish production goes abroad) and a well-prepared sales strategy. In 2001, income was zl. 360 million with profits of zl. 4.1 million. (Rzeczpospolita, 10-11 Aug, p. B2) ... After the first half of 2002, the net profit of GE Capital Bank (owned by General Electric) reached zl. 34.8 million - 76% up on last year. GE Capital Bank grants loans almost exclusively to individuals using funds which it borrows from others banks. Almost half of the loans have constant interest and the bank has hardly any deposits and no cash desks. In the last 12 months, the number of borrowers increased by 40%. (Rzeczpospolita, 10-11 Aug, p. B3) ... By the end of the year, Agros Fortuna and Sonda will create a juice production group with a sales rate of zl. 1 billion. The group will become a serious competitor for the current market leader - the Maspex group. According to analysts, the new group won't endanger Maspex's position, as it hold 30% of the market and is also entering the mineral water market. (Rzeczpospolita, 10-11 Aug, p. B3) A.L.