Italy’s leading light in eastern Europe, UniCredit has ambitious plans after buying into one of the region’s most dynamic markets with its purchase of Ukraine’s Ukrsotsbank, writes Philip Alexander.
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Ukraine
From David to Goliath
December 1, 2007Denis Gorbunenko has turned a banking minnow into a rising giant – and he’s not finished yet. Ben Aris reports.
European banks jostle in relatively unbanked Ukraine
December 1, 2007The announcement, as The Banker went to press, that Sweden’s SEB Group had signed an agreement to acquire 97.25% of Factorial Bank in Ukraine was the latest in a line of such acquisitions by European banks from outside the country.
CZARs chew over coming clean
September 3, 2007While some eastern European mega companies are improving corporate governance and listing abroad, others are moving back closer to the state. Ben Aris explains.
Buoyed up over flotations
March 5, 2007Ben Aris reports on Ukraine’s rapid economic growth that should fuel a flurry of IPO activity this year.
Good timing for foreign inroads
December 4, 2006Ukrsotsbank is expected to pass into the hands of Italy’s Banca Intesa next year. Chairman Boris Tymonkin talks to Yuri Bender about the benefits for both sides.
Bond market awakens slowly
October 2, 2006Despite political uncertainty, in the first half of 2006 corporate bond issuance in Ukraine was beginning to look very healthy. Ben Aris reports on the fledgling market.
Billionaires, their politics and their big business empires
September 4, 2006Captains of industry or oligarchs? Many of Ukraine’s billionaires rub shoulders with politicians and some even taken up office themselves. Ben Aris reports on how the political tides are buffeting the country’s richest men and how they made their fortunes.
Europe’s banks vote with their feet for Ukraine
May 2, 2006Before Ukraine has settled into its new government, the big banks of Europe have already decided that they want a presence in the country. James Hydzik reports on the growing acquisitions activity.