Reports link Samsung with Amica investment plan

Amica is rumored to be in negotiations with Samsung on developing business ties and possibly bringing in capital investment. Poland's leading household appliance manufacturer recently supplied a first batch of refrigerators for sale under the Samsung name on the Western European market. If the goods prove popular among consumers and more are demanded, then Puls Biznesu speculates that Samsung will, within the next few months, begin talks on buying a 20% stake in the Polish company. Amica has failed in previous attempts to enter into partnerships with major international players, notably Elektrolux and LG, possibly because of a fear of repeating the experience of Wroclaw-based Polar which, after being purchased by Brandt of France, ended up losing a large part of its market share. "Amica is not desperate to find a partner. However, getting an investor on good terms can only help, whether it's Samsung or LG," commented CDM Pekao analyst Bogna Sikorska. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) A.K.