Unimil to bid in UN condom tender, despite heavy losses

The country's chief condom producer, Unimil, recorded zl 850,000 losses in the fourth quarter of 2002, mainly due to an unprofitable investment in the shares of its strategic investor, Condomi of Germany. However, Unimil will cover the losses with a zl. 2.3 million reserve created earlier, and says it will not seek a new investor. Moreover, despite the disheartening results, the company is planning to take part in a UN tender for the supply of $20 million worth of condoms. "We have passed the quality test and we have the green light to take part in the tender," said Unimil chairman Grzegorz Winogradski. Last year Unimil increased its market share by around 8%, to 70%. The company sells 10% of its production abroad and hopes the contract with the UN will help it expand. (Parkiet, p.6) J.K.