In Brief: Wiener Stadtische & Heros: UTC's exclusive talks; MOL promise

Christian Brandstteter, the executive responsible for investments in Poland by Austrian insurance company Wiener Stadtische, has insisted that there will be no merger in the near future between Compensa and property insurer Heros, or between Vienna Life and Compensa-Zycie. The Austrian insurer, which is the largest shareholder in both Heros and Vienna Life, wants to concentrate on property insurance, complemented by life insurance. (Puls Biznesu, p. 7) ... According to unofficial sources quoted by Puls Biznesu, the Treasury has granted United Technologies Corporation (UTC) exclusive negotiating rights in the purchase of WSK PZL Rzeszow. A minimum 10% stake in the small aircraft producer has been put up for sale. (Puls Biznesu, p. 7) ... Hungarian concern MOL has promised that after it forms an alliance with Poland's leading fuel firm PKN Orlen, it will not attempt to destroy other Polish companies in the sector. MOL has declared its willingness to cooperate in Poland, regardless of the Polish government's decision on the PKN Orlen privatization. (Puls Biznesu, p. 8) A.Z.