The Swedish spirits producer, Vin&Sprit (V&S), is reportedly close to completing the purchase of 85% of the Polish distiller, Polmos Zielona Gora, which produces the leading vodka brand, Luksusowa. Reports in the Polish business press suggest that the government is keen to complete the current negotiations which began in December and represent the third attempt to sell off the distiller.
Analysts have said the government has lowered the price tag for Zielona Gora from €200m to €150m in order to ensure the completion of the deal.
Polmos Zielona Gora president, Ryszard Jakubiuk, was quoted as saying that the negotiations were slowed by the Christmas holidays and a contract with the company’s union had not yet been agreed. But informed observers have suggested the government’s intention to complete the sale was not in doubt.
The Polish Treasury’s first attempt to sell off Zielona Gora foundered when a consortium comprising V&S and German drinks group, Eckes, withdrew, while the government cancelled the tender during a second attempt to sell the company.
