VimpelCom increases its stake in Russian mobile retailer Euroset to 50%

AMSTERDAM, Dec. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "VimpelCom Ltd." ("VimpelCom", "Company" or "Group") VIP, a leading global provider of telecommunications services, today announces that its fully owned subsidiary in Russia, OJSC Vimpel-Communications, has acquired 0.1% of the shares of Euroset Holding N.V. ("Euroset") to increase its ownership interest to 50% of Euroset. The shares were issued by Euroset to OJSC VimpelCom subsidiary simultaneously with the acquisition of the other 50% of the shares of Euroset by Lefbord Investments Limited, a company owned by MegaFon and Garsdale Services Investment Ltd.  

As a result of these transactions, VimpelCom and Lefbord have equal economic and governance rights in Euroset. Previously, VimpelCom had a minority interest in Euroset with more limited governance rights. VimpelCom expects to continue to account for Euroset using the equity method.

Commenting on today's announcement, Anton Kudryashov, Chief Executive Officer of OJSC VimpelCom, said: "Euroset is a strategic partner for VimpelCom and a major distribution and customer service channel. This transaction is the next step in the process of building a more efficient and sustainable operational model between VimpelCom and the largest telecom retailer in Russia, which will help us to provide  better service to our customers".  

About VimpelCom

VimpelCom is one of the world's largest integrated telecommunications services operators providing voice and data services through a range of traditional and broadband mobile and fixed technologies in Russia, Italy, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Laos, Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic and Canada. VimpelCom's operations around the globe cover territory with a total population of approximately 780 million people. VimpelCom provides services under the "Beeline", "Kyivstar", "djuice", "Wind", "Infostrada" "Mobilink", "Leo", "banglalink", "Telecel", and "Djezzy" brands. As of September 30, 2012 VimpelCom had 212 million mobile subscribers on a combined basis. VimpelCom is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol (VIP). For more information visit: http://www.vimpelcom.com 

SOURCE VimpelCom Ltd.