The global financial crisis brought together gloom and prospective outlooks. Chanes Saeng-arayakul, chairman of the construction contractor Pylon Plc (PYLON), views this transition as the opportunity as many small-and-medium-size businesses seeking for thrive amid the downstream market.

He said Pylon has been approaching by two or three non-listed companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) seeking for strategic partner.

Mr. Chanes noted that it’s the best time now for merger or acquisition opportunity, but the company is in no hurry, because making a negotiation in an appropriate time will produce better advantages to both sides.

“We have focused on liquidity and cost cutting, as well as low debt to equity ratio of 0.71, which are mostly account payables. Maintaining long-term debt at the current level will also eliminate us obligations on interest, and provide us financial and profit potential,” Mr. Chanes said.

For strategic partner, he said investment requires consideration of all potential aspects and costs are seen lower in the future.

“The economic and politics situations will remain unstable for the next year,” he said. “At the time, there will be cheap companies for us to acquire.”

Pylon expects a net profit of 700 million baht in the next year, pushed by a split of equal earning generating from contracted projects with both government and private organizations.

The company forecasted its 2008 fourth quarter earning of 220 million baht, generating from the government’s subway project.