Centro Studi Europa dell’Est - notiziario del 21.02.2008 - powered by www.seenews.com

NOTIZIARIO DEL 21.02.2008

* ALBANIA *

Hungarian MOL Eyes Further 14 Pct in INA, Albpetrol Stake - Report Feb 21, 2008, 17:00 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Hungarian oil and gas major MOL Nyrt is in talks with representatives of Croatia’s Government for acquiring a further 14 pct in Croatian state-owned peer INA and is considering participation in the privatisation tender for Albanian peer Albpetrol, Hungarian Portfolio reported on February 21, 2008. link

Macedonian Alkaloid Plans Regional Acquisitions Feb 21, 2008, 17:26 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Macedonia’s largest pharmaceutical company, Alkaloid, is considering an acquisition in the region of southeast Europe for 2008, Local daily Vecer reported. link

Albania To Auction 14.6 Bln Leks (118.6 Mln Euro) T-Bills on Tuesday Feb 21, 2008, 11:52 CET | Story | SeeNews TIRANA (Albania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Albania’s central bank will auction on Tuesday 14.6 billion leks ($174.6 million/118.55 million euro) in three-, six-and 12-month Treasury bills, the bank said on Thursday. link

* BOSNIA *

Italy’s UniCredit Bosnian Zagrebacka Banka 2007 Net Profit Up 19% - Table Feb 21, 2008, 14:26 CET | Story | SeeNews MOSTAR (Bosnia and Herzegovina), February 21 (SeeNews) - One of the Bosnian units of Italy’s UniCredit Group, UniCredit Zagrebacka Banka, raised its 2007 net profit by 19% to 29.75 million marka ($22.28 million/15.13 million euro), data showed on Thursday. link

Bosnia’s BH Telecom 2007 Gross Profit Rises 2.1% to 83 Mln Euro Feb 21, 2008, 16:26 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), February 21 (SeeNews) – Bosnia’s biggest telecoms operator, BH Telecom, said on Thursday its preliminary gross profit for last year rose by 3.4 million marka ($2.5 million/1.7 million euro) to 163.4 million marka. link

Macedonian Alkaloid Plans Regional Acquisitions Feb 21, 2008, 17:26 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Macedonia’s largest pharmaceutical company, Alkaloid, is considering an acquisition in the region of southeast Europe for 2008, Local daily Vecer reported. link

Bosnian Mining Co Ruding To Raise Capital Feb 21, 2008, 17:29 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Bosnian joint stock mining company Ruding Ugljevik said in a stock market filing from February 20, 2007 that it will release a fourth issue of shares worth 1.1 mln Bosnian marka ($824,000/561,000 euro) in order to raise its capital by 50 pct. link

Bosnian Parliament Adopts 18% Higher Central Budget Revenue, Spending for 2008 - Media Feb 21, 2008, 11:08 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), February 21 (SeeNews) – The lower house of Bosnia’s central parliament adopted late on Wednesday a balanced central budget for 2008, setting both revenue and spending targets at some 1.186 billion marka ($888 million/602 million euro), 18% higher than last year’s, public broadcaster BHRT reported. link

Bosnia Schedule of Events – Feb 21 - May 9 Feb 21, 2008, 09:28 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Bosnia and Herzegovina through May 9. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Bosnian Parliament Re-appoints PM Spiric’s Government - Media Feb 21, 2008, 10:40 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), February 21 (SeeNews) – The lower house of Bosnia’s central parliament re-appointed late on Wednesday the country’s central government led by Prime Minister Nikola Spiric, Bosnia’s public broadcaster BHRT reported. link

* BULGARIA *

French-based Optical Lens Maker Essilor International Enters Bulgarian Market Feb 21, 2008, 09:39 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) – French-based optical lens maker Essilor International on Thursday said it has entered the Bulgarian market by buying local Essilor lenses and instruments distributor Optimal for an undisclosed price. link

BSE - Daily Bulletin, Selected Announcements - Feb 19, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 09:51 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews The Management Board of Zaharni Zavodi AD-Gorna Oryahovitsa, BSE code – ZAHZA, notifies herewith of a signed on 27.12.2007 debenture loan contract under the following parameters:- Issuer: Zaharni Zavodi AD- ISIN: BG 2100040075- Issue in succession: First one- Amount of the loan: Euro 3,000,000, allotted in 3,000 corporate ordinary, dematerialised, registered, interest bearing, freely transferable, secured, unconvertible bonds of Euro 1,000 nominal value each- The date of issuing is the date of registration with the Central Depository, i.e. 27.12.2007, thus all terms connected to the bond issue start running as from this date.- Term to maturity: 60 months as of the date of issuing- Repayment of the bond issue: A grace period of 3 years and a rescheduled repayment of the principal in four equal instalments on amount of Euro 750,000 each on the dates of the last four coupon payments - Yield per bond: Floating 6m EURIBOR plus 3.25% p.a. payable every six monthsThe Management Board of Zaharni Zavodi AD appoints the first bondholders’ meeting on 22.02.2008 at 2:00 p.m. in pursuance of Art. 206 (6) & (7) of the Commerce Act, to be held in the administrative building of the company in Gorna Oryahovitsa, 29 Sveti Knyaz Boris I St., under the following agenda:1. Approval of CB Piraeus Bank Bulgaria AD to be the bondholders’ trustee link

BSE - Daily Bulletin, Selected Announcements - Feb 20, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 09:53 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Kapitan Dyado Nikola AD-Gabrovo, BSE code - KDN, has filed the following information with BSE-Sofia:The Board of Directors of Kapitan Dyado Nikola AD has taken a decision on 19.02.2008 to sign with CB United Bulgarian Bank an overdraft facility for working capital on amount of EUR 2 million secured by:- A contractual mortgage on real estates, property of the company, located in Gabrovo, 10 Stoletov Blvd., namely an extrusion plant- A registered pledge on tangible fixed assets, namely on 52 machinesThe overdraft will be used within the regular activity of the company. There will be no interest parties involved in the transaction. link

Bulgarian Farm Machine Maker Sparky Sells One Stock on Debut Feb 21, 2008, 12:36 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - Only one stock was sold in the debut of Bulgarian farm machine manufacturer Sparky on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) on Thursday and interest in the company is not seen rising in the short-term, brokers said. link

Bulgaria’s FIBank Says Aims for 8.0% Market Share in 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 12:57 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - First Investment Bank (FIBank), the biggest lender among Bulgaria’s few domestically owned banks, aims to raise its market share in terms of assets to 8.0% in 2008 compared to 7.1% in 2007, a company official said on Thursday. link

Heineken’s Bulgarian Brewery 2007 EBIT Up 36% to 8.2 Mln Euro Feb 21, 2008, 13:21 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - Zagorka, the Bulgarian arm of Dutch Heineken, boosted its 2007 earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by 36% to 8.2 million euro ($12.1 million), the company said on Thursday. link

INTERVIEW – Bulgarian Microlender Targets Over 50% Market Share in ’09, To Float up to 15% Stake on Sofia Bourse Feb 21, 2008, 13:28 CET | Interview | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - Bulgarian micro-financing organisation Easy Asset Management, operating under the Easy Credit brand, plans to capture domestic market share of more than 50% by the end of next year and to boost its development by floating up to 15% of its capital on the Sofia bourse later this year, the company’s general manager said. link

Bulgarian Water Bottler Devin Lowers 2008 Net Profit Forecast by 38% on Higher Amortisation, Costs Feb 21, 2008, 13:44 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s leading water bottling company Devin, owned by Austrian diversified group Soravia, has lowered by 38% its forecast for 2008 net profit to 2.1 million levs ($1.6 million/1.1 million euro) on higher amortisation and costs, Devin’s CEO said on Thursday. link

Bulgaria’s Q4 ’07 Building Permits Down 2.0% Y/Y, Up 8.1% in Full-Year Feb 21, 2008, 14:05 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - The number of building permits issued in Bulgaria in the fourth quarter of 2007 fell by two percent year-on-year to 4,637 bringing their total number to 18,224 for the whole of 2007, 8.1% more than 2006, official statistics showed on Thursday. link

UPDATE 1 - Bulgarian Farm Machine Maker Sparky Sells 25 Stocks on Debut Feb 21, 2008, 14:42 CET | Story | SeeNews (updates with final trading results) link

Bulgaria’s Central Cooperative Bank Buys 62.57% More of Macedonian Sileks Banka in Takeover Feb 21, 2008, 15:30 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s Central Cooperative Bank (CCB) said on Thursday it has bought a further 62.57% stake in Macedonia’s Sileks Banka as a result of its takeover bid. link

Bulgaria Launches International Competition for 80 Km Road Repairs Feb 21, 2008, 15:35 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) – Bulgaria on Thursday launched an international competition for upgrades to 80 kilometres of roads under two projects. link

Bulgarian UBB to Roll Out SOFIX-Based Deposit Feb 21, 2008, 17:13 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) will diversify its capital market-structured deposits and will offer a one-year deposit based on the blue-chip SOFIX index of the 16 most liquid stocks on the Bulgarian bourse, Dnevnik daily reported on February 21, 2008. link

French Essilor Enters Bulgaria, Strengthens Presence in Canada, Puerto Rico Feb 21, 2008, 17:21 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd French corrective eye lenses maker Essilor International SA said on February 21, 2008, it had made three acquisitions in Bulgaria, Canada and Puerto Rico. link

Macedonian Alkaloid Plans Regional Acquisitions Feb 21, 2008, 17:26 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Macedonia’s largest pharmaceutical company, Alkaloid, is considering an acquisition in the region of southeast Europe for 2008, Local daily Vecer reported. link

Bulgarian govt refuses to shield Kremikovtzi from creditors Feb 21, 2008, 17:36 CET | Story | Dnevnik Bulgarian economy minister Petar Dimitrov Wednesday refused to grant the request of local steel mill Kremikovtzi for a three-month leeway on outstanding debts as the beleaguered company works down its operative financial obligations. link

8 Bulgarian co’s in net ratings deal with Nielsen Online Feb 21, 2008, 17:39 CET | Story | Dnevnik Eight Bulgarian companies Wednesday signed a deal with Nielsen Online, a service of The Nielsen Company, to provide measurement of their web audiences, advertising and commerce. link

Maritsa Iztok 3 launches 2nd sulphur removal unit Feb 21, 2008, 17:42 CET | Story | Dnevnik A second flue gas desulphurisation installation will begin operation next week at thermal power plant Enel Maritsa Iztok 3, Mike Foster, executive director of Enel Operations Bulgaria, the Enel division that manages and maintains the plant, said in Wednesday. link

Alternative energy investors say hassled by power distributors Feb 21, 2008, 17:46 CET | Story | Dnevnik Local investors in renewable energy sources (RES) have complained to the Bulgarian energy ministry that the regional power distribution companies are either refusing to plug into their grids new RES facilities or set cumbersome conditions to establish a link. link

Bulgarian land funds accumulate 60,000 ha Feb 21, 2008, 17:49 CET | Story | Dnevnik The combined land asset holdings of local real estate investment trusts are nearing 60,000 ha, show the financial reports of some of the biggest REITs filed with the Sofia stock exchange. link

German Norddeutsche Affinerie Reopens Takeover Bid for 95% of Belgium’s Cumerio, Owner of Copper Smelter in Bulgaria Feb 21, 2008, 17:51 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) – German copper producer Norddeutsche Affinerie (NA) on Thursday reopened its takeover bid for Brussels-based metals group Cumerio, aiming to obtain at least 95% of Cumerio shares, the Belgian group, which has a major copper smelter in Bulgaria, said in a statement. link

Elana - Bulgaria Daily Report - Feb 20, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:37 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews MARKET HIGHLIGHTSThe positive bias predominated on BSE during the Wednesday’s session. The trading remained in thin volumes but almost 70% from the companies closed in the green. Sparky Eltos (ELTOS: 14.00; +5.58%) outperformed under buying interest from large investor. The company hit the level of BGN 15.24 but the price gains were unsustainable and ELTOS closed at BGN 13.20. Only 25 000 shares at the minimum price at BGN 45.70 of other company from Sparky Group – Sparky AD (SPARKY) were subscribed on the SPO on Monday. Sparky will be listed for trading on February, 21.Financial sector closed in different directions. First Investment Bank (FIB: 10.10; +1.00%) outperformed. link

FFBH - Bulgaria Morning Update - Feb 21, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 15:10 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews MARKET WRAP-UPThe second positive day of the week slightly increased SOFIX up to 1 421.29 bps. (+0.71%), BG40 to 409.92 bps. (+0.80%) and BGTR30 to 926.68 bps. (+0.46%) while the REIT index BGREIT lost 0.74% to 101.16 bps. Investors stressed their attention mainly to the bank sector on Wednesday as Bulgarian American Credit Bank jumped (BACB, BGN 68,-, +3.03%) followed by First Investment bank (FIB, BGN 10.20, +2.00%). The other company to support the market that day Toplivo (TOPL) recovered and closed at BGN 22.20 (+4.72%) compared to BGN 21.20 on Tuesday while Chimimport (CHIM, BGN 11.25, +2.25%) advanced on Wednesday but liquidity remained relatively low as around 20K shares changed hands this day. Very impressive start of the new listed company Billboard (BOARD) pushed the price up to BGN 8.90 (issue price was 7.30) but closed slightly lower at BGN 8.562. link

STS Finance - Daily Stock Exchange Report - Feb 20, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 15:14 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews The leading Bulgarianindexes passed another consolidation session on Wednesday with SOFIX, BGTR30 and Dnevnik 20 advancing slightly on a daily basis. link

Bulgarian Stocks Mostly Down, Sparky Debut Fails to Attract Interest Feb 21, 2008, 18:15 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) – Bulgarian stocks ended Thursday mostly down in a consolidating market with the debut of farm machinery manufacturer Sparky failing to attract investors’ interest, brokers said. link

Bulgaria Schedule of Events - Feb 21 - May 18 Feb 21, 2008, 09:03 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in, or related to, Bulgaria through May 18. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Bulgarian BTC New CEO To Head Vivatel Feb 21, 2008, 17:34 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Bulgarian dominant landline operator BTC said on February 19, 2008 its newly appointed CEO Bernard Moscheni will head its cellphone arm Vivatel too. link

STS Finance - Daily FX Analysis - Feb 21, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:16 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Dollar advanced against the majors – 21st of February, 2008 link

* CROAZIA *

S&P Affirms Croatian Agrokor LT Credit Rating, Off Watch, Outlook Negative on Aggressive Financial Policy Feb 21, 2008, 14:03 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Global rating agency Standard & Poor’s said on Thursday it has affirmed the ’B’ long-term corporate credit rating of Croatia-based food manufacturer and retailer Agrokor. link

Hungarian MOL Eyes Further 14 Pct in INA, Albpetrol Stake - Report Feb 21, 2008, 17:00 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Hungarian oil and gas major MOL Nyrt is in talks with representatives of Croatia’s Government for acquiring a further 14 pct in Croatian state-owned peer INA and is considering participation in the privatisation tender for Albanian peer Albpetrol, Hungarian Portfolio reported on February 21, 2008. link

Erste Securities - Flash note: T-Hrvatski Telekom - Feb 21, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 17:12 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Financial results to be released on February 28, 2008 link

EBRD Invests 24 Mln Euro in Existing and New Croatian Jadranka Hoteli shares Feb 21, 2008, 17:34 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 21 (SeeNews) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on Thursday said it would buy existing shares worth 3.2 million euro ($4.7 million) in Croatian hotel chain Jadranka Hoteli and would invest a further 20.8 million euro in newly issued company shares. link

Croatian Fin Min To Tap Foreign Mkts with Some 750 Mln Euro Eurobond in Spring Feb 20, 2008, 18:53 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 20 (SeeNews) – The Croatian Finance Ministry said on Wednesday it will tap this spring foreign markets with eurobonds worth some 750 million euro, its first international issue since 2004. link

CROATIA’S JOBLESS RATE RISES TO 15.1% IN JAN FROM 14.7% IN DEC - STATS OFFICE Feb 21, 2008, 14:08 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

Croatia’s Jan Jobless Rate Rises to 15.1% from 14.7% in Dec - Table Feb 21, 2008, 14:24 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Croatia’s January unemployment rate rose to 15.1% from 14.7% in December, the State Statistics Bureau said on Thursday. link

Croatia Dec Nominal Net Salary Down 3.4% M/M - Table Feb 21, 2008, 14:46 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 21 (SeeNews) - The average nominal net monthly salary in Croatia fell to 4,958 kuna ($1,003/680 euro) in December from 5,131 kuna a month earlier, the State Statistics Bureau said on Thursday. link

Croatian Govt Approves Draft 2008 Budget, Reducing Planned Gap to 2.3% of GDP Feb 21, 2008, 16:30 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 21 (SeeNews) - The Croatian government on Thursday said it approved a draft for the country’s budget this year, aiming to reduce the consolidated budget deficit further to 2.3% of gross domestic product from a projected 2.6% in 2007. link

Croatian Shares Indices Rise Amid Corporate News, Speculation Feb 20, 2008, 20:39 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 20 (SeeNews) - Croatian share indices rose for a second day running on Wednesday amid corporate news and speculations, brokers said. link

FIMA Stock Monitor - Daily - Feb 20, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:08 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Daily comment:Croatian capital market experienced sharp increase today. It seems that investors decided to gratify a series of good news that were not reflected on market during the last couple of weeks. In first hour of trading CROBEX leaped over 4100 pts and stayed in that territory for whole day to end 2.3% higher than day before. Stock turnover amounted to HRK 96 million. Pula based Uljanik plovidba (ULPL-R-A) announced General Assembly meeting for 31st of March. One of the proposals is recapitalization of the company by issuing 180,000 new shares by private placement to current shareholders. Company’s paid-in capital is currently divided to 400.000 shares, with nominal value of HRK 400 each. New shares are to be proposed at nominal value. Another proposal is dividend payment totaling HRK 12 million, or HRK 30 per share. ULPL share rocketed by 23.3% to end at HRK 3700. Koprivnica based food producer Podravka (PODR-R-A) presented recently purchased semi-industrial labora tory which will be used for new product development. Total investment is worth HRK 5 million and new equipment will have capacity of 200-2000 units daily. Podravka’s share soared by 2.8%. Oil and gas company INA (INA-R-A) jumped 6.4%, following speculations that Croatian Government plans to sell part of its stake in the company to Magyar oil company MOL. link

Erste Securities - Croatian Equity Daily - Feb 21, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:56 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Highlights: link

Croatian Share Indices Add to Gains amid Positive Market Mood after Recent Drops Feb 21, 2008, 18:21 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Croatian share indices gained more than three percent on Thursday, rising for a third consecutive day thanks to a positive market mood following significant drops earlier this year, traders said. link

Croatia Schedule of Events – Feb 21 – May 17 Feb 21, 2008, 09:10 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Croatia through May 15. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

* MACEDONIA *

Macedonia’s Skopje Airport Jan Passenger Traffic Up 0.6% Y/Y Feb 21, 2008, 12:00 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Passenger traffic through the international airport of Macedonia’s capital Skopje rose by 0.6% year-on-year in January, the airport said on Thursday. link

Macedonia’s Alkaloid To Build Nine Mln Euro Quality Development Centre Feb 21, 2008, 14:46 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Macedonia’s blue-chip pharmaceutical company Alkaloid said on Thursday it will invest nine million euro ($13.3 million) in building a quality development centre. link

Bulgaria’s Central Cooperative Bank Buys 62.57% More of Macedonian Sileks Banka in Takeover Feb 21, 2008, 15:30 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 21 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s Central Cooperative Bank (CCB) said on Thursday it has bought a further 62.57% stake in Macedonia’s Sileks Banka as a result of its takeover bid. link

Macedonian Edible Oil Producer Halts Production Feb 21, 2008, 17:23 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Macedonian edible oil producer Blagoj Gjorev has temporarily halted production due to lack of raw materials as the price of sunflower seed has significantly increased on international markets, Vecer daily reported. link

Macedonian Alkaloid Plans Regional Acquisitions Feb 21, 2008, 17:26 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Macedonia’s largest pharmaceutical company, Alkaloid, is considering an acquisition in the region of southeast Europe for 2008, Local daily Vecer reported. link

Macedonia Schedule of Events - Feb 21 - Nov 28 Feb 21, 2008, 09:29 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in, or related to Macedonia through November 28. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

* MOLDOVA *

Moldova’s FDI Rises to $540 Mln in 2007 - Deputy PM Feb 21, 2008, 17:27 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), February 21 (SeeNews) – The inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) in Moldova rose to $540 million (365.5 million euro) last year, Moldova’s first deputy Prime Minister said on Thursday. link

* MONTENEGRO *

Montenegro Schedule of Events - Feb 21 - May 15 Feb 21, 2008, 09:20 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in, or related to, Montenegro through May 15. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Montenegrin President Hands Djukanovic Mandate To Form New Government Feb 21, 2008, 10:14 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), February 21 (SeeNews) - Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic has given ex-prime minister Milo Djukanovic a mandate to form a new government, the president’s office said on its website on Thursday. link

* ROMANIA *

Romanian Textile Firm Siretul Pascani ’07 Prelim Net Profit More Than Triples - Table Feb 21, 2008, 09:08 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Romanian clothing and textile firm Siretul Pascani on Thursday reported a preliminary net profit of 64,900 lei ($26,200/17,800 euro) for 2007, more than triple the 18.204 lei it earned a year earlier, despite lower turnover. link

SOCGEN ROMANIAN BANK UNIT SAYS 2007 PRELIM NET PROFIT RISES 40% TO 917 MLN LEI (251 MLN EURO) Feb 21, 2008, 09:08 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

Socgen Romanian Bank Unit ’07 Prelim Net Profit Rises 40% to 917 Mln Lei (251 Mln Euro) Feb 21, 2008, 09:25 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Romanian Development Bank (BRD), majority owned by French banking group Societe Generale, reported on Thursday a 40% rise in its 2007 preliminary net profit to 917 million lei ($370 million/251 million euro). link

ROMANIA’S ANTIBIOTICE SAYS SEES ’08 NET PROFIT UP TO 10.9 MLN EURO FROM ’07 PRELIM NET PROFIT OF 30.76 MLN LEI (8.4 MLN EURO) Feb 21, 2008, 09:49 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

ROMANIA’S ANTIBIOTICE SAYS SEES NET PROFIT MORE THAN TREBLE BY 2012 TO 29.4 MLN EURO Feb 21, 2008, 09:56 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

UPDATE 1 - Socgen Romanian Bank Unit ’07 Prelim Net Profit Rises 40% to 917 Mln Lei (251 Mln Euro) Feb 21, 2008, 09:57 CET | Story | SeeNews (adds details) link

Raiffeisen Capital & Investment - Flash News: BRD-GSG 2007 preliminary results - Feb 21, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:51 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews BRD-GSG preliminary results link

Romanian Drug Maker Antibiotice Sees 2008 Net Profit Rising to 10.9 Mln Euro, Tripling by 2012 Feb 21, 2008, 11:11 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Majority state-owned Romanian drug maker Antibiotice expects its net profit to rise to 10.9 million euro ($16.1 million) this year and to more than treble by 2012 to 29.4 million euro, it said on Thursday. link

Cable Operator UPC Romania Names New CEO Feb 21, 2008, 12:39 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - UPC Romania, a unit of U.S.-based broadband cable operator Liberty Global, said on Thursday it has appointed Jack Mikaloff as the company’s new CEO. link

ROMANIA’S SIF 1 BANAT CRISANA PLANS 0.07 LEI (0.019 EURO) PER SHARE ’07 GROSS DIVIDEND VS 0.06 LEI GROSS DIVIDEND FOR ’06 Feb 21, 2008, 14:34 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

CORRECTED - ROMANIA’S SIF 1 BANAT CRISANA PLANS ONE-FOR-ONE BONUS ISSUE OR 0.07 LEI (0.019 EURO) PER SHARE ’07 GROSS DIVIDEND [ADDS BONUS ISSUE OPTION] Feb 21, 2008, 15:47 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

Fujitsu-Siemens Romanian Unit Targets 30% Rise in Turnover in FY Ending March’09 Feb 21, 2008, 16:15 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - The Romanian unit of Japanese-German computer maker Fujitsu-Siemens said on Thursday it targets a 30% rise in its turnover for the 2008 fiscal year ending March 2009, compared to an estimated turnover of 65 million euro ($96 million) for the year-ago period. link

UPDATE 2 - Socgen Romanian Bank Unit ’07 Prelim Net Profit Rises 40% to 917 Mln Lei (251 Mln Euro) Feb 21, 2008, 16:17 CET | Story | SeeNews (updates with euro conversion rate used by BRD and closing share price) link

Romanian IT Solutions Provider Gecad Net Sees ’08 Turnover Rising at Least 25% Feb 21, 2008, 16:23 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Romanian IT services and solutions provider Gecad Net, part of local Gecad group, said on Thursday it sees its turnover rising by at least 25% this year from 5.5 million euro ($8.1 million) in 2007. link

Romania’s SIF 1 Banat Crisana Plans One-for-One Bonus Issue or 0.07 Lei (0.019 Euro) per Share Gross Dividend for 2007 Feb 21, 2008, 16:29 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - SIF 1 Banat Crisana, one of Romania’s five geographically-defined investment funds, plans to double its capital to 109.77 million lei ($44.22 million/30.01 million euro) via a one-for-one bonus issue or to pay a gross dividend of 0.07 lei per share for 2007, the company said on Thursday. link

Romania’s SIF 3 Transilvania Exits Metallurgy Equipment Maker Rotec Feb 21, 2008, 17:06 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - SIF 3 Transilvania, one of Romania’s five regional investment funds, on Thursday exited metallurgy equipment manufacturer Rotec, selling its 17.92% stake for 5.87 million lei ($2.4 million/1.6 million euro). link

Romanian GeCad Net Sees 2008 Turnover Up 25 Pct Y/Y Feb 21, 2008, 17:08 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Romanian security software company GeCad Net expects its turnover to rise by 25 pct on the year to 6.9 mln euro ($10.17 mln) in 2008, CEO Gabriela Mechea was quoted as saying by DailyBusiness on February 21, 2008. link

German DM To Expand Romanian Chain Feb 21, 2008, 17:11 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd German drug store chain Drogerie Markt (DM) plans to open two new stores in Romania over the next two months, in the northwestern cities of Cluj-Napoca and Deva, respectively, the company said on February 21, 2008. link

Romanian Maguay Impex Sees 2008 Turnover Up 30 Pct Y/Y Feb 21, 2008, 17:16 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Romanian IT systems distributor Maguay Impex sees its turnover rising by 30 pct on the year to 11 mln euro ($16.21 mln) in 2008, the company said on February 21, 2008. link

Romanian Caromet Plans 1.37 Mln Euro Capital Increase Feb 21, 2008, 17:18 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Romanian railroad equipment maker Caromet plans to increase its share capital by 5.0 mln Romanian lei ($2.01 mln/1.37 mln euro) to 31.45 mln lei ($12.67 mln/8.59 mln euro), via the issue of new shares, the company said on February 21, 2008. link

Greek Germanos To Open 80 New Stores in Romania 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 17:31 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Greek electronics retailer Germanos plans to open 80 new stores in Romania in 2008, as well as to modernise the existing ones, Germanos Telecom Romania said on February 20, 2008. link

Romanian MaxCAD Sees 2008 Turnover Up 40 Pct Y/Y Feb 21, 2008, 17:45 CET | Story | AII Data Processing Ltd Romanian MaxCAD, an authorised distributor of Autodesk software solutions in the country, expects its turnover to rise by 40 pct on the year to 3.5 mln euro ($5.16 mln) in 2008, CEO and shareholder Florin Balcu was quoted as saying by local daily Curierul National on February 21, 2008. link

Romania’s SSIF Broker Plans To Raise Capital by 40.5 Mln Lei (11.1 Mln Euro) via Bonus Issue Feb 21, 2008, 17:50 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Romanian brokerage SSIF Broker said on Thursday it plans to raise its share capital by 40.5 million lei ($16.3 million/11.1 million euro) to 144.7 million lei through a bonus issue. link

Romania Sells 60.5 Mln Lei (16.5 Mln Euro) in 5-Yr T-Notes, Below Target Feb 21, 2008, 14:55 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Romania on Thursday sold 60.5 million lei ($24.4 million/16.5 million euro) of five-year T-notes, below its 100 million lei target offer, the country’s central bank, BNR, said. link

Ieba Trust - Romanian Market Daily - Feb 20, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:10 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Slight increase for BET and BET-C for the second consecutive day link

Raiffeisen Capital & Investment - Investment Daily Romania - Feb 21, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:20 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews WatchlistTEL will resume trading today after holding a GSM.BRD will release today its 2007 preliminary results. link

Gains in Blue-chips BRD Bank, Petrom Push Romanian Bourse Up by More Than Three Percent Feb 21, 2008, 17:33 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) – Gains of more than five percent in blue-chip stocks BRD bank and oil and gas group Petrom on Thursday helped the indices of the Romanian bourse to close more than three percent higher, brokers said. link

Romania Schedule of Events - Feb 21 - May 15 Feb 21, 2008, 08:56 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Romania through May 15. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Romanian Leu Ends Unchanged vs Euro in Calm Trade Feb 21, 2008, 16:31 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), February 21 (SeeNews) - Romania’s leu ended virtually unchanged against the euro on Thursday in small volumes and calm trade, dealers said. link

* SERBIA *

Austrian Insurer UNIQA Reports Over 50% Rise in 2007 Premiums of Serbian Unit Feb 21, 2008, 11:42 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Austrian insurance group UNIQA said on Thursday its Serbian unit, UNIQA Osiguranje, reported a preliminary rise in premiums of over 50% to 20.4 million euro ($30 million) in 2007. link

EU To Organise Donor Conference for Kosovo by Summer Feb 21, 2008, 10:35 CET | Story | SeeNews PRISTINA (Serbia), February 21 (SeeNews) - The European Commission will organise by the summer a donor conference to boost the economic development of Kosovo that declared independence from Serbia on Sunday, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said. link

Vojvodjanska Banka - Daily Vobnews - Feb 21, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:43 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Vojvodjanska banka released its Daily Vobnews Report for February 21, 2008 containing the following charts and tables: link

Sinteza Investment Group - Daily Market WrapUp - Feb 18, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 10:59 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Sinteza Investment Group has released its Daily Market WrapUp for February 18, 2008, containg an overview of the Serbian Financial Market. link

Sinteza Investment Group - Daily Market WrapUp - Feb 19, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 11:01 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Sinteza Investment Group has released its Daily Market WrapUp for February 19, 2008, containg an overview of the Serbian Financial Market. link

Sinteza Investment Group - Daily Market WrapUp - Feb 20, 2008 Feb 21, 2008, 11:03 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Sinteza Investment Group has released its Daily Market WrapUp for February 20, 2008, containg an overview of the Serbian Financial Market. link

Belgrade Bourse At Standstill With Investors’ Eyes On Kosovo Reaction Feb 21, 2008, 17:11 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), February 21 (SeeNews) – Belgrade Stock Exchange (BELEX) indices ended almost unchanged and the volume fell further on Thursday as nervous investors awaited development in Serbia’s political situation following Kosovo’s unilateral independence proclamation, brokers said. link

Serbia Schedule of Events - Feb 21 - May 18 Feb 21, 2008, 09:10 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Serbia through May 18. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

* SLOVENIA *

SLOVENIA SAYS INTENDS TO CONTINUE TALKS WITH BOTH BIDDERS FOR 49.13% OF STATE TELCO Feb 20, 2008, 19:34 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

Slovenia Intends To Continue Talks with Both Bidders for 49.13% of State Telco Feb 20, 2008, 19:57 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), February 20 (SeeNews) - Slovenia intends to continue talks with both bidders left in the tender for the sale of 49.13% of Telekom Slovenije despite a possibility mentioned by one of the bidders to quit the race, the Economy Ministry said on Wednesday. link

UPDATE 1 - Slovenia Intends To Continue Talks with Both Bidders for 49.13% of State Telco Feb 20, 2008, 20:49 CET | Story | SeeNews (adds details, share price) link

Slovenia’s Adria Airways Buys Three Planes from Canada’s Bombardier Feb 21, 2008, 18:24 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Slovenia’s flag carrier, Adria Airways, said on Thursday it has signed a contract with Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier for the purchase of three planes. link

Slovenian Stock Indices Rise Further in Calm Trading Feb 21, 2008, 18:03 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Slovenian stock indices rose further on Thursday in calm and eventless trading with investors uncertain and indecisive, brokers said. link

Slovenia Schedule of Events - Feb 21-May 15 Feb 21, 2008, 10:54 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), February 21 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Slovenia through May 15. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Slovenian Govt Proposes Recognition of Kosovo’s Independence to Parliament Feb 21, 2008, 16:53 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), February 21 (SeeNews) - The Slovenian government said on Thursday it has sent Parliament a proposal to recognise Kosovo as an independent state after the Serbian province proclaimed its independence on Sunday. link

Nostre raccomandazioni finali:

AIIDATA