VTB sold nearly 50% of its grain business, which includes stakes in Novorossiysk Kombinat KHLEBOPRODUKTOV and United grain company. Buyers became the structure of the former owner of “Baltika” Taimuraz Bolloev and Marathon Group Alexander Vinokurov and Sergey Zakharov. In view of these investments VTB the price is 50% of the business is estimated at $1 billion, But its profitability could be reduced due to the slowdown in exports and the fall in interest rates for the transshipment of grain, experts say.”Demetra-holding” uniting the grain assets of VTB group, has attracted new investors, the Bank said on Friday. Following the acquisition of 25% of the company, JSC was awarded “Agronova” ex-owner “the Baltic” and the former head of the state Corporation “Olympstroy” Taimuraz Bolloev. Owner 24,999% Marathon Group became the son-in-law foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Alexander Vinokurov and Sergey Zakharov. VTB began to create the United grain operator in 2018. So, in August of 2018, the Bank repurchased 22,25% Novorossiysk Kombinat KHLEBOPRODUKTOV (NGP), then increasing its share to 33.18%. In February 2019 VTB acquired a 50% minus 1 share of United grain company (UGC), which, in turn, controls 51% of the NGP. In the same month, the Bank bought the Novorossiysk commercial sea port Novorossiysk grain terminal. In addition, VTB owns 50% plus 1 action of the operator on the transport of grain by rail “Rusagrotrans” as well as 70% of the trader “of Myrogroup resources”.The “Agronomy” we already have interests in agriculture. So, in 2018, it became known that the company invests more than 1 billion rubles in the ecological garden area of 32 hectares. “Agronova” at that time, has grown organic vegetables. In addition, in August of 2019 “Agronova” acquired in the Krasnodar region cattle-breeding complex “Revival”. Marathon Group invests in a variety of retail formats, pharmaceuticals, etc. thus, the number of the company’s assets — share in a network “the Magnet”, a co-owner who also acts VTB.In the Marathon Group recalled that since the Foundation has expressed interest in the agricultural sector. “We believe that the market for Russian exports has a high level of profitability and good prospects for growth in terms of volumes and geography”,— said the representative of the company. Participate in the operational management of assets “Demetra-holding” Marathon Group does not plan, the terms also did not disclose. Contact Taymuraz Bolloev or his representative failed. In “Agronova” the call is not answered.In February, first Deputy President—Chairman of the Bank Yuri Soloviev said VTB has invested in the grain business $2 billion given the credit. At the same time, adds Mr. Sizov, not very clear how new investors can help the development of the grain business of VTB. The group planned to bring in the project of major TRANS -inaloo profile company, it made more sense, given the Bank’s ambitions to build a major international player, the expert believes.VTB said that the further development of “Demetra-holding” involves increasing the efficiency and speed of supply chains within the country, creation of conditions for transparent pricing of grain on the domestic market, as well as the infrastructure update. Senior Vice-President VTB and the General Director of “Demetra-holding” Vitaly sergeychuk added that “the experience of VTB cooperation with our partners in the other projects of the group provides good prerequisites for a new stage of business growth holding”.The source “” in investment circles, I am sure that VTB also gave credit to the buyers in the transaction. The Bank is not yet commented. Managing Director of rating Agency “National credit ratings” Stanislav Volkov says that this arrangement allows the Bank to improve its balance sheet structure through the sale of non-core asset, and credit risks to share with customers. In addition, thus, the Bank can attract a partner who can better organise the management of the business. Anatoly Kostyriv
