Geopolitical tensions rise ahead of Putin-Biden talks Paid Members Public
From Ukraine to Belarus, tension between Russia and the West rose rapidly last week. Is this really the prelude to a military conflict, or is it all just saber-rattling ahead of an end-of-year encounter between Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden? * White House spokesperson Jen Psaki did not rule
Censorship & streaming Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about how the rise of online streaming platforms has attracted regulation and censorship. We also look at why some top state-owned banks are creating special investment funds for officials, and whether tension between Russia and the West could be a result of an
Russia to impose mandatory QR-codes in coronavirus fight Paid Members Public
The Russian government submitted legislation to parliament Friday that, if passed, would make QR-codes obligatory to access mass public events, eateries, retailers, and cultural institutions, as well as trains and planes. * The new regulations are contained in two laws that are now before the State Duma, and could be passed
Russia’s IPO boom turns to bust Paid Members Public
An expected initial public offering (IPO) bonanza for Russian companies is in jeopardy after two major listings were abruptly cancelled. The owner of Russia’s largest alcohol retailer, Red & White, announced Tuesday that it was canceling its placement just a few days after the Delimobil carsharing service postponed a
Problems plague Telegram’s monetization drive Paid Members Public
The first official adverts began appearing on messaging app Telegram earlier this month. But the development has caused widespread discontent among users, and some channels even started warning readers about the contents of adverts (over which they have no control). Telegram has a tempestuous relationship with the authorities and its
QR-codes for all Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is Russia’s decision to make QR-codes its main tool to fight the pandemic as coronavirus death rates remain at record highs. We also look at why several big Russian companies have scrapped IPOs at the last minute, and the official launch of advertising
Russia’s biggest liquor store chain targets $13bln IPO valuation Paid Members Public
Alcohol retailer Red & White announced Wednesday the details of its imminent initial public offering (IPO) on the Moscow Exchange. The company could be valued at up to $13 billion, less than originally anticipated, but still enough to make it the largest placement in Russia this year. * Mercury Retail Group,
Alfa Group circles in conflict over confectionery empire Paid Members Public
The death of businessman Boris Alexandrov last year triggered a battle for control of his confectionery company, Rostagrokompleks. Alexandrov’s former partner, Yuri Izachik, finally went public Tuesday with his version of how the corporate conflict over Rostagrokompleks has unfolded. Izachik, who currently lives in Kansas, was put on an
