Altimo

Altimo was a Russian investment group focused primarily on investments in telecommunications. It was part of the Alfa Group Consortium, one of Russia's largest private investment groups.

History and Operations:

Altimo's investments spanned a wide geographical area, including Russia, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and emerging markets in Asia. Its strategy generally involved taking significant minority stakes or controlling interests in mobile network operators.

Altimo actively managed its investments, often participating in strategic decision-making and operational improvements within the companies in which it invested. This included areas such as network expansion, marketing strategies, and regulatory compliance.

Notable Investments:

Altimo's portfolio included substantial stakes in prominent telecommunications companies across various regions. Some of its most significant investments have included:

• VimpelCom (later VEON): Altimo held a considerable stake in VimpelCom, a major global telecommunications company operating in several countries. This investment was subject to significant scrutiny and legal challenges due to its complexity and potential conflicts of interest.

• MegaFon: Altimo also held a stake in MegaFon, one of Russia's leading mobile network operators.

• Turkcell: Altimo's involvement with Turkcell, a leading Turkish mobile operator, was marked by protracted shareholder disputes and legal battles over control of the company.

Restructuring and Legacy:

In 2015, Alfa Group announced a significant restructuring of its telecommunications assets. Altimo was effectively dissolved, and its assets were consolidated into other entities within the Alfa Group structure, including LetterOne Holdings. As a result, the Altimo brand is no longer actively used for telecommunications investments.

Criticism and Controversy:

Altimo's activities have often been subject to scrutiny and controversy. Its aggressive investment strategies, complex ownership structures, and involvement in shareholder disputes led to legal challenges and criticism regarding corporate governance and transparency.