PKN Orlen plans to become regional giant take shape

Płock-based PKN Orlen is attempting to create a central European oil concern, in which it expects to have the leading role. "Orlen is considering taking part in the privatization of Rumanian oil concern, Petrom, probably in partnership with Hungarian MOL," said a Puls Biznesu informer. At the end of August, the Rumanian government announced a tender for a purchase of 33.4% of Petrom. The new investor will also be obliged to buy the company's new share issue, to increase the stake up to 51%. Orlen's competitors in the tender will include Chevron-Texaco, BP, TotalElfFina, Shell, OMV and Russia's Lukoil. PKN Orlen is also in talks with MOL over the privatization of Czech's Unipetrol, as well as the purchase of several gas stations in Slovakia and Germany. According to unofficial information, Orlen is also preparing to take part in the tender to buy 10%-15% of MOL. The transaction would be carried out simultaneously with MOL taking a 10% stake in PKN from the State Treasury. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 4, 5) A.K.