Transport firm looks to branch out with major buy-ups

The company has devised an acquisition program aimed at strengthening its position on the market as well as entering new fields. "Right now there are four companies on our acquisition shortlist. In two cases the negotiations are in their last stages," said Wacław Wojciechowski, member of Pekaes board responsible for development. The firm's management revealed only that its targets are companies dealing with sea transport, intermodal transport (joining two means of transport, eg. road and rail transport) as well as delivery services. Pekaes earned zł.160 million from last year's public offer and that sum has been earmarked for acquisitions in the company's 2005 budget. "If nothing unexpected happens, we will finalize two acquisitions in Q3 of 2005 and the next two by the end of the year," said Wojciechowski. Pekaes future plans encompass also taking over foreign companies. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) D.W.