ZAGREB, June 27 (Hina) - The Croatian government believes that Thursday's statements of domestic investors interested in buying Croatia Insurance on the criteria for the selection of the best bidder are "unprofessional and completely
contrary to the positive customs of business and market competition", reads a statement issued by the government's public relations office.
ZAGREB, June 27 (Hina) - The Croatian government believes that
Thursday's statements of domestic investors interested in buying
Croatia Insurance on the criteria for the selection of the best
bidder are "unprofessional and completely contrary to the positive
customs of business and market competition", reads a statement
issued by the government's public relations office. #L#
The head of the Investco Securities domestic consortium, Andrej
Deur, said at a press conference today the government's criteria
for the selection of the best bidder reflected a clear preference of
foreign investors.
Presenting the results of a public opinion poll on the
privatisation of Croatia Insurance, Deur said that more than 90
percent of citizens believed the company should be sold to domestic
investors. The government should cancel its criteria as,
otherwise, the consortium considers it meaningless to submit its
offer.
The government responded that "the further development of Croatia
Insurance can be secured only by the best bidder who is willing to
invest into and further develop the company." This is the reason why
it decided to sell 51 percent of the company's shares to the best
bidder.
"As Croatian citizens have stated in the poll, government members
too would be pleased if Croatia Insurance could be sold to domestic
entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, due to the announcement that they
will withdraw their offer, the government will not have the
opportunity to consider it. Is this the way entrepreneurs behave?,"
reads the statement.
The deadline for the submission of final offers is July 4, 2002,
when the bids will be opened.
(hina) rml sb