In Brief: PKP loan; Advent International; Last Maluch; Cigarette smuggling

In Brief: PKP loan; Advent International; Last Maluch; Cigarette smuggling Polish State Railways (PKP) and the Transportation Ministry are finalizing talks with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on a possible loan of euro 100 million for restructuring PKP. (Rzeczpospolita, Sept. 23-24, page B2) ... One of the largest venture capital firms in the world, Advent International has pledged to double its involvement in Poland from the current $100 million. The target areas of investment include telecommunications, the media and healthcare. (Prawo i Gospodarka, page 3) ... The last Fiat 126 Maluch (tiny) rolled off the Fiat Auto Poland production line on Friday. Spare parts for the popular model will still be produced for the next 10 years. Maluch cars have been produced in Poland since 1973. (Rzeczpospolita, Sept. 23-24, page B2) ... A survey carried out by cigarette producers in Poland shows that about 90% of all cigarettes sold in Bartoszyce come from smuggled sources. On a national scale, about 15% of all cigarettes are smuggled. The Central Customs Office (GUC) hopes to limit this trend by introducing an additional levy on any cigarettes carried by persons crossing the border. (Rzeczpospolita, page B5)