Tile maker Ceramika Paradyz to sue competitor Opoczno

The second largest Polish tiles producer Ceramika Paradyz wants to sue its sector competitor Opoczno. Ceramika says Opoczno uses unfair practices by posting ads in the newspaper that tarnish the image of Ceramika's products. A letter of complaint will be sent to Opoczno this week and if not answered will be followed by legal action. "We hope there were no bad intentions on the side of Opoczno," said Ceramika sales manager Piotr Tokarski. Ceramika is demanding that Opoczno place apologies in the newspaper but so far Opoczno officials are refusing to comment. Last year Opoczno produced 15.4 million square meters of tiles to become the sector leader. Ceramika Paradyz produced 6.5 million square meters of tiles. Both companies are making heavy investments. Opoczno with its new strategic investor Credit Suisse First Boston would like to take control of 40% of the bathroom tiles market. (Puls Biznesu, page 5) J.K