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Belgium cement producer CBR has run into difficulties in its attempt to but stakes in two cement and lime producers in Poland. In November 1992, it submitted an offer to Poland's Ministry of Privatization to buy the Gorazdze cement and lime works and nearby Strzelce Opolskie cement plant. The Gorazdze plant is Poland's largest and most modern cement producer, while the Strzelce Opolskie factory is smaller and less profitable.
CBR encountered immediate opposition from the workers at Gorazdze. In a referendum, 85% of them voted against a foreign company taking a large stake in the plant. In January the company's management and workers formed the Initiative Group to mount a rival offer, and obtained the support of a consortium of Polish banks and investors.
One of the most outspoken supporters of the offer at the Gorazdze plant is Tadeusz Rysnik, spokesman for the works commission of NSZZ Solidarnosc (the Independent Self-governing Trade Union Solidarity). He says: "The Initiative Group's bid is based on economic logic, the long-term interests of the state treasury, and also safeguards the aspirations of the employees to manage the enterprise and share in future profits.
"The bid values the company according to current practice, taking into account the substantial investments needed in the future. The price makes allowance for the up-to-date cement works and the antiquated limeworks. Like CBR, the Initiative Group would borrow from the banks to raise the purchase price."
Rysnik fears job losses at Gorazdze if the CBR bid is chosen. "Possible job losses are foreseen after 12 months. If CBR were to fail to meet its promises of investment in the lime works, 600 people could lose their jobs. There is no major threat of job losses at Strzelce Opolskie."
Adds Andrzej Balcerek, president and manager of the Gorazdze plant: "In Poland, investments are needed to structure the distribution system. But the market is young, and offers big opportunities. Gorazdze and Strzelce Opolskie could dominate the cement market in western and central Poland."
At first the Initiative Group bid only for the Gorazdze works, but its proposal has been amended several times and in late June it said it was prepared to bid for the Strzelce Opolskie plant as well.
Privatization Minister Janusz Lewandowski, speaking in...