Netia now leading operator to acquire Telbank

Independent fixed line operator Netia has offered the National Bank of Poland (NBP) over zl. 300,000 for a 74% stake in Telbank, which has made it the favorite in the bid. Tel-Energo came second with a slightly lower offer. "The final decision on the stake will be made today, or on Monday," said a person close to the transaction. Earlier, the NBP said that it is possible that the tender will be extended by including BRE Bank and BGZ's shares in the operator. "Telbank services the banking sector which is strategic for the state. The central bank is obliged to select the most reliable company which will guarantee the quality as well as the security and future of banking telecom services," an informer told Puls Biznesu. This argument, as well as political factors, stand behind the fact that Tel-Energo (which is owned by the Treasury) was earlier a favored company in the tender. Po litical opponents of the privatization have begun to take a deeper interest in the tender. It is possible that Polish Family League deputy Gabriel Janowski, famous for hindering the privatization of Warsaw energy dist ributor Stoen, will attempt at thwarting the plans to sign this transaction as well. (Puls Biznesu, p. 5) A.Z.