Final Word from Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tomorrow's transportation strike has diverted attention from many things, one ofwhich is the rise in the standing of Natland Group. It's been around in one formor another for 10 years, but its 15 minutes of fame didn't come until Slavia soccerclub and Key Investments got into big trouble. As is often the case with mysteriousCzech companies, the facts are thin, but two things seem likely. First, that PetrSisák is involved in all these companies and might have even bought Slavia fromhimself. Second, that Glencore Int. is buying assets of Setuza that were acquired inpart by Sisák's companies with money appropriated from Prague 6, 10 and 13. Natlandappears to be a vehicle for cleaning up and cooling down money that is toohot even for shady international bankers to handle. If this business model provessuccessful, there will be plenty of other hidden cash piles for Natland to tap.
Glossary of difficult words
to divert - to distract (someone or their attention) from something;
standing - position, status or reputation;
to appropriate - to take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission;
vehicle - a medium through which something is transmitted, expressed or conducted;
shady - of doubtful honesty or legality;
to tap - to draw a supply (from a resource).