Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/318021
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 25 MAY 2014 3 News CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Last year, energy minister Konrad Mizzi an- nounced that government intend- ed to open two ARMS regional of- fices by 2014, one in the north and the other in the south of the island. This, Mizzi said, would improve the billing company's efficiency. The offices of Untours, which form part of the GWU's central building in the capital city, would offer an accessible space in a cen- tral location. Carmen Ciantar, ARMS Ltd's chief operations officer, is also be- ing touted for the company's top job of CEO. Ciantar denied that she would be appointed chairperson. However, when asked whether she is set to be appointed chief executive of- ficer, Ciantar replied: "You should ask such questions to the minis- try." Pressed to deny the appointment, as she had done so categorically on the post of chairman, Ciantar said: "I can neither deny nor confirm." Ciantar, the estranged wife of former Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pul- licino Orlando, already occupies the post of director at Transport Malta. If appointed CEO, Ciantar would replace James Davis, who is currently the company's acting CEO. GWU's €1.16 million acquisition This week, the union was in the spotlight following the revelation that Transport Malta was consider- ing the relocation of its headquar- ters to a section of the A3 Towers in Paola, owned by another GWU subsidiary, Paola Estates. Paola Estates are the preferred bidders in the expression of inter- est TM issued for the rental of new office space. The A3 Towers were constructed by the Montebello brothers' JPM Bros, the company that had also acquired the defunct Jerma Palace Hotel in Marsascala, as well as hav- ing developed the Mistra Heights complex in Xemxija before selling off their interest. Paola Estates are a wholly-owned subsidiary of GWU Holdings Ltd, whose directors are union secre- tary-general Tony Zarb and presi- dent Victor Carachi. In 2007, the company held some €2 million in assets. In 2010, the GWU company purchased 1,800 square metres of basement garage spaces for €302,818 at the A3 Towers, and the ground floor's showroom, cafete- ria, and the first floor's showroom and second-floor 'mini market and pharmacy clinic' for €1.16 million; and then another 35 underlying garages for €285,349 in 2012. Altogether, the GWU purchased the basement levels and first two floors of the Montebello's A3 Towers for €1.74 million. Although Transport Malta is still evaluating the bids, Paola Estates were confirmed as the preferred bidders by the authority's adjudi- cation committee. A total of six bids were shortlisted. An appeals period now follows, after which the official confirmation will be made. "Paola Estates is the preferred bid and, if all is approved, we will go there," a senior TM official told MaltaToday. jbalzan@mediatoday.com.mt Union property earmarked for government offices The A3 Towers in Paola