Avito Aims for Global Reach with RosselkhozBank's 50% Acquisition
Deal News | Apr 25, 2025 | Aim Group
State-owned RosselkhozBank has acquired a 50% stake in Avito, the largest c-to-c marketplace by visits worldwide, from Kismet Capital Group. The transaction, finalized this month, marks a significant development in Avito's ownership and sets the stage for potential international expansion, particularly into regions like the Middle East, CIS countries, and Southeast Asia. Kismet Capital Group had initially acquired Avito in 2022 from Prosus for RUB151 billion, a move prompted by geopolitical tensions and sanctions risks. Despite changes in ownership, Avito’s management team will remain unchanged as both they and RosselkhozBank eye growth and an eventual IPO. The bank's involvement hints at its strategic role despite sanctions, attributed to its connection with the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Avito's massive traffic and income make it a global leader in classifieds, reinforcing its stronghold in the Russian market.
Sectors
- Banking and Financial Services
- E-commerce and Online Marketplaces
Geography
- Russia – The acquisition involves major Russian entities, RosselkhozBank and Avito, reflecting significant domestic economic and strategic interests.
- International – Avito's plans for expansion into the Middle East, CIS countries, and Southeast Asia highlight the international dimension of the company's growth strategy.
Industry
- Banking and Financial Services – The involvement of RosselkhozBank, a large Russian state-owned bank, in acquiring a stake in Avito, exemplifies the financial maneuvering and strategic investments within this sector.
- E-commerce and Online Marketplaces – Avito, a significant player in the classifieds segment, is part of the online marketplace industry, and its expansion plans are relevant to this sector's global dynamics.
Financials
- RUB151 billion ($2.46 billion) – The purchase price paid by Kismet Capital Group to acquire Avito from Prosus in 2022.
- RUB100.9 billion ($1.2 billion) – Avito's revenue in 2023, showcasing its growth and market leadership.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| RosselkhozBank | Bidding Company | Company | A state-owned bank in Russia, acquiring a 50% stake in Avito, previously involved in financing Avito's acquisition by Kismet Capital Group. |
| Avito | Target Company | Company | The world's largest c-to-c marketplace by visits, known for its dominance in Russia's classifieds sector and significant global reach. |
| Kismet Capital Group | Selling Company | Company | A private investment group that previously acquired Avito from Prosus, now selling a 50% stake to RosselkhozBank. |
| Prosus | Former Owner | Company | An Amsterdam-based marketplace giant that sold Avito to Kismet Capital Group in 2022. |
| Ivan Tavrin | CEO of Kismet Capital Group | Person | Leader of Kismet Capital Group, involved in the transaction, under sanctions from the U.S. and the U.K. |