X5 Retail looks for Polish companies to supply its empire

This is part of its search for new companies to act as suppliers to deliver its stores with exclusive or private-label contracts in selected product lines. The company, which is controlled by three Russian oligarchs, currently buys almost 10% of its products in Poland, with brands such as Dosia, Kamis, Bella, Hortex, Tymbark and Rolnik. X5 Retail's latest move raises the prospect of much easier access to the Russian market for many Polish firms, at a time when business ties between the two countries are hindered by strained diplomatic relations. "This is very important for Polish firms. With its close proximity, huge size and dynamic growth, the Russian market is very attractive for us, but so far we have trailed our West European rivals," says Marian Owerko of Bakalland. "We are already in talks with one Polish food company," said Pawel Musial, the deputy president of X5 Retail and CEO of Pieriekriostok. He has already recruited 20 managers from Poland to work for the retailer in Russia. (Puls Biznesu, p. 1, 4-5) R.M.