Solski Burson-Marsteller was hired on retainer by Podbij.pl, Poland’s innovative internet auction portal.

Podbij.pl (www.podbij.pl) offers auctioning goods in an innovative way. It was established by two Polish students of the University of York, Kamil Kuchta and Witold Kozlowski, with the first auction taking place on September 18.

The auction system at Podbij.pl allows Web users to purchase interesting goods at attractive prices. Products are put to auction not by users but by the portal itself. All goods are brand new, unused, and have a full warranty.

The service has become an instant hit – currently it has 25,000 registered users. So far, almost 1,100 auctions have been held, with the value of the auctioned goods amounting to about 800,000 zloty (230,000 euro).

Kamil Kuchta and Witold Kozlowski have returned to Poland, and while increasing the portal’s functionality, they are planning to invest in new innovative projects.

Solski Burson-Marsteller has been hired to provide the portal with strategic communication advice and management of media relations.

The contract will be in force till the end of 2009, and has an option for extension.