The Funds’ first investment in telecommunications was made in 1994 in FGI Wireless (which eventually became today’s Vimpelcom, one of Russia’s largest mobile telephony operators). The company was a pioneer in cellular network development in Russia. Since 1994, Baring Vostok funds have invested over $850 million in 30 companies in the internet, software, media, and telecommunications sector.
CTC Media

CTC Media

One of Russia’s largest television stations. Fully exited in 2008
Location:
Moscow, Russia
Years:
1995-2008
Shareholding:
Large minority
Exit:
IPO on NASDAQ in 2006

StoryFirst Communications (later renamed "CTC Media") was founded by an American entrepreneur (Peter Gerwe) in 1989. From 1991 to 1997, the company attracted significant funding from global individual and institutional investors. In 1996, CTC Media launched the first Russian national television network, CTC, based on the American model. The company acquired and founded many regional television channels so as to cover the whole Russian landmass.

The value of the advertising market in Russia declined sharply after the 1998 crisis and caused a dramatic drop in revenue, which led several institutional investors to sell their shares. In early 2002, Baring Vostok Private Equity Fund purchased shares from these investors.

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