Billionaire Roman Avdeev's Blendiser Corp Finalizes Exit from Russian Operations

The Complete Exit: Roman Avdeev's Blendiser Corp Sells Russian Assets

In a significant move for international business transactions, Blendiser Corporation Ltd, based in Cyprus and associated with billionaire Roman Avdeev, has confirmed its total divestiture from Russian operations. This comes after a thorough process that concluded with the sale of Avdeev's remaining stake in Rossium Group and various other assets, marking the completion of his exit from all business dealings in Russia.

The announcement, made on December 10, 2024, detailed a transaction that was initially revealed in late October 2024. It involved the transition of full ownership of a diversified portfolio which included significant stakes in sectors such as banking, agriculture, real estate, and pharmaceuticals. These holdings have now been passed to Region Group and associated entities led by another billionaire, Sergei Sudarikov.

Roman Avdeev, who has a large family with 23 children—19 of whom he has adopted—previously indicated he wished to shift his focus towards family and personal life, moving away from the rigors of business. He expressed his deep appreciation to those who were instrumental in building Rossium’s business. Avdeev stated, “I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has been working with me on building the business of Rossium. I'm confident that under Sergey Sudarikov's leadership, Rossium will continue to thrive.”

With the completion of this sale, Avdeev now has no assets remaining in Russia. His companies, including Blendiser Corp, continue to operate as holding entities with investments across OECD countries and select emerging markets not affected by international sanctions. This strategy aligns with the growing trend among international investors to seek safer and more stable investment environments.

Blendiser Corporation, incorporated in 2018, has been involved in managing an extensive portfolio of assets globally, focusing on markets in the UK and the EU. The company is dedicated to investment management and strategic growth, continually seeking opportunities that align with its diversified approach.

Rossium Group, established in 2006, has been recognized for its operations within the Russian market, especially through its flagship Credit Bank of Moscow (CBM), which ranks seventh in Russia by total assets. In recent times, Rossium has demonstrated its profitability, reporting a significant profit of RUB 17.5 billion (approximately $200 million) against a revenue of RUB 71.6 billion (around $840 million) for the year 2023. The company’s portfolio spans various sectors, including insurance and pension services, thereby contributing to its robust financial standing.

Sergei Sudarikov, now the principal beneficiary of the Region Group, previously held a 31% stake in Rossium Group before this acquisition. His conglomerate is active in various domains, including banking, real estate, and insurance, indicating a continuation of the amalgamation of substantial economic interests in Russia’s corporate landscape.

This transaction is poised to influence the business dynamics in both Russian and international markets, as it underscores the ongoing adjustments and strategies employed by major players in response to changing geopolitical climates. The exit from Russian assets allows capital owners like Avdeev to recalibrate their portfolios toward opportunities that promise stability and ethical investment practices, particularly amidst the widening scope of international sanctions affecting the region.

In conclusion, Roman Avdeev's strategic withdrawal from Russia not only marks a significant shift in his business pursuits but also solidifies the investment journey of Blendiser Corporation as it seeks to adapt and thrive in a global economy fraught with complexities and challenges.