PKN Orlen bids for heating and sulphur plants

Fuel concern PKN Orlen is interested in the privatization of Płocka Energetyka Cieplna (PEC). Other companies, including a consortium of Zakład Energetyczny Płock, as well as French Dalkia are also interested in the tender. The winner will have the right to acquire a 34% stake in the PEC heating plant. "The money from the deal will support the city budget and will finance municipal infrastructure investments," Orlen said in a press release. Last month, Orlen announced that under its restructuring strategy, by the end of 2004 it intends to sell its shares in 40 companies from its capital group. Currently, PKN Orlen controls more than 110 companies. In related news, the company, in conjunction with the Lotos Group, are interested in the purchase of an 85% stake of sulphur producer Siarkopol Gdańsk from the Treasury. They have already been placed on the shortlist of bidders, together with Naftoport and an anonymous international concern. (Puls Biznesu, p. 5) A.Z.