Orlen gets the go-ahead for its Mazeikiu purchase

The Commission concluded that the transaction "would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it." PKN Orlen's president, Igor Chalupec, went on to say: "This decision will allow us to continue activities aimed at closing of the transaction without further delay. It is difficult to talk about our next steps now. We are currently waiting for the report of our advisers on the situation in the refinery after the fire." The October fire which engulfed key installations in Mazeikiu catalyzed a number of misfortunes for Orlen, including the recent attempt of some members of the Mazeikiu board to dismiss the Lithuanian company's head. Lithuanian Prime Minster Gediminas Kirkilas stated that, following the Commission's decision, the transaction would be completed within just a few weeks. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) E.B.