PKN Orlen denies involvement in conglomerate talks

A spokesman for PKN Orlen has denied reports that a representative from the company's board took part in the gas and petroleum companies' meeting in London on Tuesday. PKN Orlen press office coordinator Ireneusz Wypych was quoted in the Prawo i Gospodarka daily as saying in addition that there was no informal meeting involving a PKN Orlen representative on the formation of a Central European gas conglomerate. The statement contradicts an earlier Polish Press Agency (PAP) report that representatives of PKN Orlen attended a meeting with their counterparts from OMV AG of Austria and MOL of Hungary. Despite the rumors, the government appears determined to go ahead with a plan to choose an industrial partner to buy almost 18% of PKN Orlen before the general election in September. However, according to analysts, the deal may yet founder in the face of fierce opposition. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B1, Prawo i Gospodarka, p. 10, Reuters) P.J.