RUCH reducing costs and hopes to capture 60% market share

In 2002 the largest press distributor, Ruch increased its kiosk network by around 3,300 outlets. Currently it controls 35,400 kiosks. Ruch and its competitor Kolporter are battling to control the press distribution market, with Ruch controlling 53% and Kolporter 35% of the domestic market. "By 2005 we intend to increase our share to 60%, therefore network expansion is currently our priority. However, we are not considering any takeovers," said Ruch president Miron Maicki. Last year, the company was able to cut its distribution costs by more than zl. 15 million. This year, it expects to further reduced these by another zl. 10 million. Ruch's annual investments are likely to total zl. 400 million. "I hope that the Treasury Ministry will not require any dividend from us this year," said Maicki. (Puls Biznesu, p. 7) A.Z.