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.

Denis Gorbunenko has turned a banking minnow into a rising giant – and he’s not finished yet. Ben Aris reports.

The 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.

While some eastern European mega companies are improving corporate governance and listing abroad, others are moving back closer to the state. Ben Aris explains.

Ben Aris reports on Ukraine’s rapid economic growth that should fuel a flurry of IPO activity this year.

Ukrsotsbank 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.

Despite 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.

Captains 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.

Before 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.