VimpelCom to expand into Kazakhstan by acquiring second largest wireless operator
26 Aug 2004

Recognizing the benefits of local expertise when entering a new country, VimpelCom is also in discussions with a Kazakh partner to sell for cash (at the same pricing terms as paid by VimpelCom) a minority interest of up to 50% minus one share in KaR-Tel. VimpelCom intends to retain control of Kar-Tel, with no less than 50% plus one share ownership. The closing of both the purchase of KaR-Tel by VimpelCom and the sale of a stake in KaR-Tel to a partner are expected to occur in the second half of 2004.

Commenting on today's announcement, Alexander Izosimov, Chief Executive Officer of VimpelCom, said, "We are very pleased to announce this acquisition in Kazakhstan as VimpelCom's first expansion outside of Russia. This move opens a new chapter in our development, reflecting our vision of VimpelCom as an international company with a strong presence in developing markets, particularly within the CIS. Kazakhstan, with the highest GDP per capita in the CIS after Russia and a cellular penetration rate of only 13%, offers tremendous opportunities."

Mr. Izosimov continued, "Building upon our achievements and experience operating across 11 time zones in Russia, we intend to expand decisively into Kazakhstan with the introduction of our Bee Line brand and the implementation of our unified business solutions for IT, marketing, distribution, customer service, billing and network operations."

Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia and borders Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. With a population of approximately 15 million, Kazakhstan has the second highest GDP per capita in the CIS (after Russia) and had an annual rate of growth in 2003 of 9.2%. Kazakhstan has significant oil and gas deposits as well as metals and other important minerals. Kazakhstan is the only CIS country to have received investment ratings from both S&P's and Moody's.

United Financial Group (UFG), a Moscow based investment bank affiliated with Deutsche Bank, acted as VimpelCom's financial advisor in this transaction. Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld L.L.P. acted as legal advisor in this transaction.

VimpelCom Ltd.

Altimo, a leading private equity group, operating on some of the world's most desirable and potentially lucrative mobile telecommunications markets, was created in 2005 from Alfa Telecom, which itself was established in 2004 to hold the telecoms investments of the Alfa Group Consortium (VimpelCom Ltd., MegaFon and Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S.). Those assets are in Russia, the CIS and other promising emerging markets.

VimpelCom Ltd. provides voice and data services through a range of wireless, fixed and broadband technologies. VimpelCom Ltd. is headquartered in Amsterdam and has operations in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Algeria, Bangladesh, Canada, Italy, Pakistan, Burundi, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Central African Republic covering territory with a total population of about 843 million with over 181 mln subscribers. VimpelCom Ltd. operating companies provide services under the "Beeline", "Kyivstar", "Djuice", "Wind", "Infostrada", "Mobilink", "Leo", "Banglalink", "Telecel" and "Djezzy" brands. VimpelCom Ltd. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "VIP". As of 31 December 2010, Altimo owned 44.65% of the voting shares of VimpelCom Ltd. (since June 2011 -  24.99%).

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