Western energy suppliers to consolidate in new group

Treasury Minister Wieslaw Kaczmarek has decided to create a new energy company, which will probably be called the Western Group. The concern will bring together five energy distributors at the beginning of 2003. "The management boards of the Bydgoszcz, Gorzow, Poznan, Zielona Gora and Szczecin energy companies have signed an agreement on this matter," said Jaroslaw Blotny from the Poznan energy distribution company. After consolidation the new group will be prepared for privatization. The leader of the venture will be the Poznan company, which is the largest of the five. "Since 2005 domestic consumers will have a right to choose their own energy supplier. In order to effectively fight the competition we have to carefully prepare our strategy. One way is to create a strong, well organized company with its own capital, modern infrastructure and experienced staff," said Blotny. He declared that employment will remain at the present level following the changes. (Puls Biznesu, p. 4) M.M.