The formation of a "national champion" around WSiP?

The largest publisher of educational books, Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne (WSiP), announced plans to take over two sector companies, and subsequently enter the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE). "We are currently analyzing the condition of Państwowy Instytut Wydawniczy (PIW), and Wiedza Powszechna (WP). These are the most realistic targets for our takeover," said the head of WSiP, Jan Rurański. PIW specializes in novels and popular science publications. WP on the other hand, publishes science related books, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. The State Treasury, which owns 100% of shares in WSiP, plans to build a large publishing group around the company. "Details will be reported in two weeks. We have to check if these enterprises will increase our value. We are also looking for private investors for the venture," added Rurański. According to company representatives, the plans to float WSiP on the WSE will be not be executed before early next year. (Puls Biznesu, p. 4) A.K.