VCP fund ready to invest EUR 500 million

Investment fund Vienna Capital Partners (VCP), which has just initiated its operation in Poland, is willing to invest EUR 500 million over the next few years. So far, VCP has invested $1 billion in Central European countries including Austria, Hungary and Croatia. "Once we see an investment opportunity we just invest. Despite the fact that we do not have any preferences with regard to sector, we prefer to invest in well-managed, profitable companies from traditional sectors which show growth potential. We avoid investing in start-ups and firms in new sectors," said fund partner Heinrich Pecina. He added that currently VCP is closely monitoring two thirds of investments in Poland. However, the company will not unveil any of its plans until mid 2004. So far the fund owns Polish Gas Holding and a 43% stake in a logistics firm Cemet. (Puls Biznesu, 11) A.Z.