In Brief: OMHEX and WSE; BAT; IVAX gets UOKiK clearance; PKE bonds

OMHEX, the Scandinavian alliance of bourses, purchased the Lithuanian stock market and is now eyeing other potential take over targets. It is also considering acquiring the Warsaw Stock Exchange, which would perfectly fit OMHEX's strategy to control all Baltic stock markets. (Parkiet, p. 1) ... British American Tobacco (BAT) closed last year zł.19.6 million in the red, which represented another year of losses for the company in Poland. The management blames this fact on growing imports of smuggled cigarettes, as well as fierce competition. (Parkiet, p. 3) ... American pharmaceutical concern Ivax received permission to purchase a more than 50% stake in Polfa Kutno from the Competition and Consumer Protection Office (UOKiK). According to Parkiet, Ivax will make a call for the shares on Wednesday. (Parkiet, p. 3) ... The Southern Energy Concern (PKE) is considering issuing bonds worth between zł.500-600 million, which would enable it to close the financing for a new power block in the Elektrownia Łagisza power plant. (Parkiet, p. 5) M.M.