Softbank S.A. raises its stakes to 66% in Mediabank

Poland's leading IT firm Softbank S.A. has raised its stakes to 66% in publishing and marketing agency Mediabank. The latter will be incorporated into the internet group being created by Softbank. The latest transaction is a result of a deal with Bank Rozwoju Eksportu (BRE) which pledged to dispose of its 500 shares in Mediabank. Softbank is now the largest shareholder in Mediabank which has minority shares still in the hands of the Polish Banking Association (ZBP). The ultimate strategy of Softbank is to jointly create with ZBP an internet based venture that will service e-banking in Poland. (Parkiet, page 4) S.M.