Maspex's zl.220 million investment plans may include bid for Hortex

The Maspex Wadowice Group, one of Poland's leading producers of juices and other drinks, has announced plans to invest zl.220 million in new technologies and the takeover of rival companies. According to market research company AC Nielsen, Maspex had a 23.6% share of the market for juices and nectars in 2001. Prawo i Gospodarka reports that the company's two-year strategy for expanding its market share may include the acquisition of a controlling stake in Hortex, which occupies number two position on the market. However, a final decision has yet to be reached by Hortex on the conditions for the sale of its shares. In 2001 investments by Maspex, including the construction of a new production facility, totalled zl.80 million. Revenues from sales were worth around zl.1 billion. (Prawo i Gospodarka, p. 7) P.W.