Heady mix of threats and opportunities

This article forms part of a FT Special Report 'Top 500 companies: Central and Eastern Europe'. In addition to the lead article below, and the listing of the top 500 companies, this special report also contains a range of further articles:

Poland: Privatisation pledge could stoke reforms
Jan Cienski explains how the state still calls many of the shots

Czech Republic: Home-grown groups begin to branch out
Jan Cienski on an economy that goes well beyond its carmaking roots

Romania: Consumer demand lures foreign investors
Thomas Escritt on the pros and cons of being a favourite

Hungary’s big groups maintain sights on region
Thomas Escritt on the challenge to internationalise management

Bulgaria: Energy sector seeks to recover its Balkan role
Kerin Hope and Theodor Troev on plans to exploit a strategic location

Balkan countries: Rival retailers set great store by expansion
Neil MacDonald on manoeuvres in the ex-Yugoslav states

Baltic countries: Change in air as reliance on exports grows
Robert Anderson on the response to a gathering storm

Steel and energy head Ukraine list
Roman Olearchyk finds four Ukrainian steel groups among the top 10

Slovenia’s start-ups provide the highlights

Slovakia looks beyond cars

Deloitte: Deloitte Central Europe Top 500 http://www.deloitte.com/cetop500

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