Optimus moves to establish leading position in industry restructuring

Nowy Sacz-based computer maker Optimus is holding negotiations with a systems integration firm, in what is being described as the first step towards the consolidation of Poland's IT industry. The negotiations, said to be at a very advanced stage, are aimed at creating a tie-up with Optimus Enterprise. If a deal is concluded, it would pave the way for Optimus to achieve its strategic aim of playing a leading role in the sector's restructuring. The name of the other party to the talks has not been disclosed, but it is believed to be a medium-sized company employing around 40 people. As part of its restructuring, Optimus has so far this year laid off or transferred to its joint ventures 100 of its workers. The changes are running parallel with the sale of the firm's shares by BRE Bank to the ITI group, which is in the process of building up a stake of over 20% in Optimus. In another move, Optimus president, Jacek Krawczyk, has announced that the company will soon be signing a service and distribution contract with Compaq. (Puls Biznesu, p. 3) A.Z.