ZM Duda's takeover plans would make it Poland's No. 2 meat processor

Grabkow-based meat processor ZM Duda is reported to be holding negotiations on the takeover of its two largest state-owned competitors, Przemysl Miesny Bialystok (PMB) and Lmeat. "In the case of PMB, we have already agreed the c onditions of the deal. Now we have to reach an agreement concerning employee benefits. I hope we will finalize it by the end of October," said Maciej Dud a, CEO of ZM Duda. If both deals go ahead, ZM Duda will become the second la rgest meat producer in the country, with revenues of over zl.600 million ann ually, placing it just behind Sokolow but above Animex. "There is a process of consolidation happening in the industry right now, and we want to play an active part in it. Therefore we have found a financial partner who will help us reach our goals," Duda said. The name of the financial investor was not r evealed. However, according to unofficial sources quoted by Puls Biznesu, it is a Polish financial institution that is willing to provide ZM Duda with as much as $15 million. (Puls Biznesu, p. 10) A.K.