Leading B2B platforms likely to merge early next year

Marketplanet, Xtrade and Ce-market, the largest internet-based B2B trading platforms, are holding talks with the goal of merging the three companies. Each of the electronic marketplaces have powerful shareholders, TPSA owns Marketplanet, Xtrade is controlled by Optimus and BRE Bank, while Ce-market is owned by Impexmetal and Prokom. Each of the shareholders hopes to see their company benefit most from the move, even though none of the undertakings presently generate any profits. "As for now it is a rather shallow market, however we are noticing some positive trends," said Konrad Makomaski, the head of Marketplanet. The plans to merge Marketplanet and Xtrade were revealed earlier, with Ce-market, which specializes in the trade of metals being a new player joining the venture. "These are not easy negotiations, and even if they end successfully nothing will happen until next year," said a representative of one of the three companies. (Puls Biznesu, p. 7) A.K.