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Arthur Andersen (Poland), the management consulting firm, is bringing about an economic recovery in Poland with the aid of Duleep Aluwihare the company's chief executive.

The World Trade Organization has sided with the U.S. in that country's 2009 decision to impose tariffs of up to 35% on tires imported from China. The Obama administration wishes to signal it will protect American workers and industries as it prepares to sign a free-trade agreement with South Korea.

Created in 1996 by Elektrim S.A. and Deutsche Telekom AG, Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa (PTC) is too deep in debt to avoid bankruptcy. Elektrim and Vivendi Universal S.A. hold a 51% interest in the Eastern European wireless firm, so there is a contractual disagreement over the acquisition of PTC's assets. Deutsche Telekom, with its 49% stake, wants to act on a contract giving it the right to control for book value.

Daewoo is planning to downsize its labor force at its plant in Poland by 1,200 workers. The layoffs, scheduled to begin in January 2001, will take place at Daewoo's Lublin truck plant.

Bank Zachodni SA and WBK SA are planning to merge by the middle of 2001. The move would form the fifth-largest bank in Poland in terms of assets.

Citigroup Inc. has acquired a majority share in Poland's Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA for 669.1 million euros. Citigroup is purchasing 66% of Bank Handlowy.

Kulczyk Holding SA and France Telecom SA will make a joint offer to acquire a share in Telekomunikacja Polska SA (TPSA). Poland is selling up to 35% of TPSA.

United Pan-Europe Communications will spend up to $100 million (103.7 million euros) for the introduction of high-speed Internet and cable telephone service in Poland. The new services will be launched through the company's Polish cable television network.

Telekomunikacja Polska SA (TPSA) is considering acquiring France Telecom SA's share in Centertel. Centertel is TPSA's mobile venture.

At a 20 hour shareholders' meeting Deutsche Bank gained a majority on the board of directors of BIG Bank Gdanski S.A. which made it the leader in the battle for control of the Polish bank. Eureko B.V. and Banco Commercial Portugues have filed a motion for an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to vote again on the composition of the board.

Citigroup Inc. is prepared to acquire Polish-based Bank Handlowy SA. Citigroup would acquire a 75% share of the bank for approximately $1 billion (1.01 billion euros).

Citigroup Inc. is requesting that it be allowed to acquire 75% of Bank Handlowy W Warszawie SA's shares. Citigroup is asking permission from Poland's banking supervision commission.

Vattenfall AB will acquire a majority share of 55% of Elektrocieplownie Warszawskie of Poland. Vattenfall will acquire the share for $235 million (234.7 million euros).

A 10% share of LOT, the national airline of Poland, has been acquired by SAirGroup for $33.7 million (32.4 million euros). Swiss-based SAirGroup has also agreed to implement a market capitalization of $150 million of LOT. This will increase its share in LOT to 37.6%.

Bank Pekao SA and UniCredito Italiano SpA have introduced a restructuring strategy for the Polish-based entity that will extend over a three-year period. Bank Pekao is the largest commercial bank in Poland. Both banks formed a partnership in June 1999. The restructuring plan will center on cost reduction, fast expansion of branch networks, and new products and distribution channels.

Poland is planning to launch a license tender for long-distance telephone service within the country. The tender will be launched by the end of September 1999. Licenses will be awarded to three entities by the early part of 2000. Bidders will be given six weeks to place their bids. The bids must be a minimum of 23 million euros.