"Rambler" will buy "Runner"

In mid-June, Rambler Media will bring its stake in Runner to 51% of shares, the Vedomosti newspaper reports. This will happen through the implementation of an option agreement from 2005, according to which Rambler Media can buy 25.9% of Begun's shares from Finam, turning its stake from blocking into controlling.

The chief financial officer of Rambler Media, Arthur Akopyan, prior to the official statement about the implementation of the option, did not disclose the exact date and size of the purchased block of shares. At the same time, he noted that the shareholders of Rambler Media are satisfied with the cooperation with “Runner” and “Finam”. Insiders "Vedomosti" report that the parties have already reached agreement in principle and are at the stage of signing documents. In addition, there is another option that allows Rambler to acquire 100% of the "Runner." According to unofficial data, negotiations on the repurchase of the remaining 49% of the shares are also underway.

The cost of the transaction on the purchase of 75% of Begun’s shares by analysts is estimated at $ 112.5 million, based on an estimate of the total cost of the Runner at $ 150 million.