Small gas stations set to join forces in Gdansk Consortium

A consortium of small entrepreneurs who own gas stations and operate under the name of the Gdansk Consortium (KG) are considering setting up their own joint network of stations. "We want to consolidate about 1,000 outlets under one name. These can be owned, or operated within a franchise or partner framework. A strategic decision will be taken on 27 August during our General Shareholders Meeting," said president of KG, Feliks Jaskiewicz. He added that independent gas stations now have no choice other than to join forces in order to negotiate better terms with producers and fuel importers. According to sector analysts, this is the right step as small companies have no other way of surviving in the long-run. "It is a good idea. However, due to a large number of entities and divergent interests, the project will be hard to co-ordinate," said sales director of Shell Polska, William Kozik. The president of KG understands that a consortium would have no chance of surviving without finding a partner who will be able to help finance the project. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 3) M.M.