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Alexander Anatolyevich: A Journey Through Time and Success


Early Life and Education

Military Service and Academic Pursuits (1983-1988)

Alexander Anatolyevich embarked on his academic journey at Simferopol State University in 1982. However, conscription into the army interrupted his studies after just a year. Despite the setback, he managed to graduate in 1988, showcasing early signs of resilience and determination.

Ph.D. in Economics (1997)

Post-military service, Ponomarenko pursued higher education at the State Academy of Management in Moscow, earning his Ph.D. in Economics in 1997. This academic milestone laid the foundation for his later success in the business world.

Who is Ponomarenko Alexander?

Alexander Anatolyevich Ponomarenko, born on October 27, 1964, is a Russian-Cypriot billionaire businessman who made his fortune in banking, seaports, commercial real estate, and airport construction.

He is the chairman of the board of Sheremetyevo International Airport, the largest airport in Russia.

Ponomarenko was born in Crimea, Belogorsk City, Soviet Ukraine, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Simferopol State University, followed by a master’s from the Russian State Academy of Management.

He served in the armed forces from 1983 to 1985 and was the junior boxing champion of Ukraine by the end of the 1980s.

Ponomarenko’s career highlights include:

  • In the late 1980s, he founded an enterprise in Crimea specializing in perfume products and building materials with fellow billionaire Aleksandr Skorobogatko.
  • The two later moved to Moscow and founded the Russian General Bank in 1996, which was sold to the Hungarian OTP Bank for $477 million in 2006.
  • Ponomarenko has been sanctioned by the EU and the UK since March 2022.

Ponomarenko is a self-made businessman who, along with his lifelong business partner and close friend Aleksandr Skorobogatko, has been listed among the wealthiest people in the world, with a fortune of more than three billion US dollars.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Founding a Company (1987)

In 1987, Ponomarenko, alongside business partner Alexander Skorobogatko, ventured into the business world, establishing a company involved in manufacturing building materials, plastic bags, and perfumes. This early foray sets the stage for their future entrepreneurial endeavours.

Banking and Financial Ventures (1993-2001)

In the late nineties, Ponomarenko transitioned to banking, becoming a co-owner of a small bank in 1993. Despite facing setbacks with subsequent bankruptcy, he persevered and co-founded JSCB Russian General Bank. By 2001, Ponomarenko had achieved the pinnacle of academic recognition, obtaining his doctorate in economics.

Diversification: Outdoor Advertising (2003-2011)

In 2003, Ponomarenko ventured into outdoor advertising, becoming the beneficiary of a company that, by 2005, emerged as a major player in the market. The business secured agreements with the Moscow government and MosgorTrans, contributing to substantial revenue over the next eight years.

Stevedoring Business (1998-2011)

Ponomarenko, diversifying his portfolio, entered the stevedoring business in 1998, investing in the Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port. The eventual sale of shares in 2011 marked a significant transaction, valued at two and a half billion U.S. dollars.

Sheremetyevo Airport: A Strategic Move (2013-Present)

In 2013, Ponomarenko, along with partners Skorobogatko and Rotenberg, founded TPS Avia Holding, a collective business project focused on Sheremetyevo International Airport. By 2016, they acquired a substantial majority, with Ponomarenko assuming the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ongoing projects, such as a new terminal and refuelling system, reflect his commitment to advancing the airport’s infrastructure.

Timeline of the Career of Ponomarenko Alexander

Year Position Organization
2004 Chairman of Board of Directors OOO “Baltic Stevedoring Company”
2004 – Chairman of the Board of Directors OAO “Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port”
Present
2004 Councilor of Directors, Chairman of the Board of Directors OAO “Novoroslesexport”
2004 Chairman of the Board of Directors OOO “Novorossiysk Bulk Complex”
2003 Chairman of the Board of Directors OOO “Novorossiysk Grain Terminal”
2003 OAO “Novorossiysk Ship Repairing Factory”
1998 Pro-rector ANO “International Institute of Corporations”
1994 Co-owner OOO “Russian General Bank”
1992-1998 Senior Research Assistant International Institute of Corporations (Moscow)
1990 Founder Cooperative Societies making perfumery and
Building Materials
1983-1985 Military Service in Airborne Troops

Wealth and Personal Life

Financial Success and Recognition

According to Forbes, Ponomarenko ranked 771st among the world’s richest people in 2016, with an estimated fortune of around two and a half billion dollars. His strategic investments and diverse business ventures contributed to this financial success.

Real Estate Acquisitions and Sanctions (2011-2022)

In 2011, Ponomarenko purchased Putin’s Palace for $350 million, later selling it to Arkady Rotenberg. However, his financial dealings drew international attention when he was sanctioned by the EU, U.K., and the U.S. in 2022, leading to his resignation from the Sheremetyevo International Airport’s Board of Directors.

Family and Personal Interests

Ponomarenko, a family man, is married with three children. Despite his public profile, he maintains a private personal life, evoking curiosity about his family dynamics. His hobbies include hunting and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. His collection of marine painters’ works and hunting books reflects his diverse interests beyond business.

The Enigma: Unraveling Alexander Ponomarenko

Mysterious Background and Rise to Prominence

Ponomarenko’s background remains shrouded in mystery, adding intrigue to his rapid rise in the business world. Despite limited information about his early life, he managed to ascend to become a prominent figure, showcasing resilience and strategic acumen.

Diverse Business Empire and Philanthropy

Ponomarenko’s success extends across diverse industries, from real estate and banking to outdoor advertising and airport development. Beyond his business ventures, he engages in philanthropy, contributing significantly to charitable causes.

Luxurious Lifestyle and Global Influence

Known for his opulent lifestyle, Ponomarenko’s influence transcends borders. His extensive global network and business connections position him as a powerful figure in international affairs. His impact on the business world is evident through strategic investments and decision-making.

Media Fascination and Public Appearances

Media Quest for Information

The media’s fascination with Ponomarenko’s enigmatic persona has led to numerous speculative articles attempting to unravel the mysteries of his life. Limited public appearances and rare interviews have only fueled the curiosity surrounding him.

Impact on Business and Management Style

Ponomarenko’s decisions and investments carry significant weight in various industries. As rumours circulate about his hands-on management style, the specifics remain elusive, contributing to the enigma surrounding his leadership approach.

From Crimean Gangsters to Moscow’s Financial Scene

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Alexander Ponomarenko and his business partner, Alexander Skorobogatko, transitioned from their roots as athletes and members of the notorious Crimean Salem gang to become influential figures in Moscow’s financial landscape.

This transformation is detailed in journalist Konstantin Chernetsov’s book, “The Gangsters’ Crimea,” which suggests that the Crimean Salem gang was under the control of the local KGB and engaged in a wide range of criminal activities on the peninsula. Notably, political figures and businessmen, including the head of the occupation administration in annexed Crimea, Sergei Aksenov (known as Goblin), emerged from this criminal milieu.

The Yalosbank Scandal and Escape from Justice

Upon their arrival in Moscow, Ponomarenko and Skorobogatko assumed leadership roles at Yalosbank, where over two trillion rubles from depositors disappeared. Moscow Mayor Luzhkov called for criminal proceedings for fraud, but the duo managed to evade legal consequences. Meanwhile, Babek Seruf was poisoned, Alexander Goltsov was shot dead in Moscow, and Roman Frumson was found dead in a Spanish villa, marking a dark turn in the fate of three Yalosbank founders. Investigations into these deaths have reached a standstill.

Collaboration with Putin’s Associate Arkady Rotenberg

Ponomarenko and Skorobogatko collaborated closely with Vladimir Putin’s associate, Arkady Rotenberg. Through transactions with the Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port, they amassed over $2 billion. In 2011, Ponomarenko acquired a hotel complex near Gelendzhik, famously known as Putin’s Palace. Despite attempts to sell the property, businessman Sergei Kolesnikov argued that changing ownership would not alter its intended purpose, as he alleged it was constructed for Putin’s personal use.

Connections to Putin’s Inner Circle and Power Dynamics in Russia

Ponomarenko is part of the same social circle as members of the Lake Cooperative and shareholders of Rossiya Bank, constituting Putin’s inner circle. This alliance of Chekists, criminals, corrupt officials, and oligarchs forms a unified power structure in Putin’s Russia. This powerful entity perceives the nation, its resources, and its population merely as sources of income and self-satisfaction.

Early Years in Simferopol and “Gangster’s Crimea”

In their youth, before the 90s, Ponomarenko, Skorobogatko, and Gritsko Kovalenko formed a friendship in Simferopol. According to reports, their early exploits were documented in the documentary book “Gangster’s Crimea” by K. Chernetsov.

Officially included in the cooperative society “Saylem,” the local press labeled them as an organized crime group. They successfully maneuvered the start-up capital under the watchful eye of the Ukrainian police, with one member even receiving assistance from the chief of the Regional Department of Internal Affairs of Simferopol, who was the uncle of one of Skorobogatko’s girlfriends. Eventually, the “Saylem” group decided to relocate to Moscow.

Legacy and Future Plans

Enduring Legacy

Regardless of the information unveiled about Ponomarenko, he is destined to remain an enigma. His legacy as a successful entrepreneur and captivating figure will endure, inspiring curiosity and speculation for years to come.

Uncertain Future Plans

Ponomarenko’s plans remain uncertain. His enigmatic nature extends to his future endeavours, leaving many to ponder the surprising moves he may make next in the dynamic world of business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alexander Ponomarenko’s life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision. From his early academic pursuits to becoming a billionaire businessman, his journey reflects an unwavering commitment to success. The enigma surrounding Ponomarenko adds a layer of fascination, making him not just a businessman but a captivating figure whose legacy will endure in the annals of business history.

Ponomarenko Alexander Date of Birth

27 October 1964

Ponomarenko Alexander Citizenship

Russia

Ponomarenko Alexander Professional field/official position

Chairman of the Board of Sheremetyevo International Airport

Ponomarenko Alexander biography

PONOMARENKO Alexander Anatolyevich (b. 1964 in Belogorsk, Ukraine) served in the Soviet army in 1983-1985. After demobilization, he was a professional boxer, having won the championship of Ukraine. In 1988, he graduated from the Physics Department of Simferopol State University. In 1997, he graduated from the State Academy of Management in Moscow.

He began his business career back in 1987. Together with his partner Alexander Skorobogatko, he produced building materials, plastic bags, and perfumes in the Crimea. Together with a partner, he moved to Moscow in 1991, where they entered the banking business. In 1993, he became a co-owner of Yalosbank, which went bankrupt three years later. Then they established the Russian General Bank. Later, as a result of the purchase of several retail banks, they created Investsberbank.

Ponomarenko Alexander Career

  • 2004: OOO “Baltic stevedoring company”, Chairman of Board of Directors;
  • 2004 – till present time: OAO “Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port”, Councilor of Directors, Chairman of Board of Directors;
  • 2004: OAO “Novoroslesexport”, Chairman of Board of Directors;
  • 2004: OOO “Novorossiysk bulk complex”, Chairman of Board of Directors;
  • 2003: OOO “Novorossiysk grain terminal”, Chairman of Board of Directors;•2003: OAO “Novorossiysk ship repairing factory”,
  • 1998: АNО “International Institute of Corporations”, pro-rector;
  • 1994: OOO “Russian General Bank”, co-owner;
  • 1992-1998: International Institute of Corporations (Moscow), Senior Research
  • In 1998, Ponomarenko became vice president of Nikoil Bank and, together with Skorobogatko, began investing in the Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP). By 2006, they controlled a 63.36% stake in NCSP, and in November 2007, the owners conducted an IPO on the London Stock Exchange, raising $930 million. In 2008, the owners of a 10% stake in NCSP were the companies of Arkady Rotenberg, one of Vladimir Putin’s close friends. In early 2011, Ponomarenko and Skorobogatko sold a controlling stake in NCSP to a consortium of Transneft and the Summa Group. Since 2003, Alexander Ponomarenko, along with the owner of AFK Sistema Vladimir Yevtushenkov, has become one of the main beneficiaries of the Olimp outdoor advertising agency, which has signed a large multi-year contract with the Moscow government for advertising in the city’s metro.
  • In 2004-2008, Alexander Ponomarenko was president of the TPS Investment Company. Later it was transformed into the TPS Real Estate, and in 2012, into the TPS Real Estate Holding, 66.6% of which belonged to a trust acting in the interests of Ponomarenko and Skorobogatko, and 33.3% – to Arkady Rotenberg. In 2013, partners established the TPS Avia Group joint project for investment in the infrastructure of the Sheremetyevo International Airport. This fund established a subsidiary holding, Sheremetyevo Holding LLC, and Alexander Ponomarenko became its chairman. In February 2016, by an order of the Russian government, Sheremetyevo Holding received a 68.44% stake in Sheremetyevo Airport, while Ponomarenko took over as chairman of the board of directors of the airport operator.
  • Alexander Ponomarev owns Russian and Cypriot passports and a fortune of $3.2 billion (2019). In 2018, the U.S. Treasury included him in the Kremlin’s list of Russian oligarchs and officials close to Vladimir Putin.
  • Collects antiquarian books about hunting. Also collects painting of Itinerants, painting of “Silver age”, Ayvazovsky, Bogolyubov;
  • Was a champion of Ukraine on boxing among juniors. Source: “Russia” from 5/27/2004

Ponomarenko Alexander crimes

Organized crime links and fraud.

  1. Alexander Ponomarenko and his business partner Alexander Skorobogatko, who was twice elected to the State Duma from the LDPR and United Russia, began as athletes and participants of the notorious Crimean Salem gang in the late 1980s and early 1990s. As such, they were mentioned by the journalist Konstantin Chernetsov in his book, The Gangsters’ Crimea. According to him, this gang was under the control of the local KGB and participated in the entire spectrum of criminal activity on the peninsula. It is noteworthy that several politicians and businessmen came out of it, including the head of the occupation administration of the Russia-annexed Crimea, Sergei Aksenov, nicknamed Goblin. According to Chernetsov, the boxer Ponomarenko had the nickname Ponomar (Sexton).
  2. When, after their appearance in Moscow, they found themselves in the leadership of Yalosbank, more than two trillion depositors’ rubles disappeared from it. Moscow Mayor Luzhkov demanded to institute criminal proceedings for fraud, but the friends managed to escape justice. At the same time, the fate of the three founders of Yalosbank was unenviable: Babek Seruf was poisoned, Alexander Goltsov was shot dead in Moscow, and Roman Frumson was found dead in a villa in Spain. The investigation into these killings has come to a standstill.
  3. The close cooperation of Ponomarenko-Skorobogatko with one of the closest associates of Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg, is also peculiar. Together with Rotenberg, they gained more than $2 billion in transactions with the Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port, and in 2011 Ponomarenko acquired a hotel complex near Gelendzhik, better known as Putin’s Palace. Businessman Sergei Kolesnikov, who claimed that luxury construction is underway for Putin’s personal use, insists that reselling the property will not change its intended purpose.
  4. Ponomarenko belongs to the same environment as the members of the Lake cooperative and shareholders of Rossiya Bank (the inner circle of Vladimir Putin). Therefore, his proximity to the ruling elite of Russia is not surprising. The conglomerate of Chekists, bandits, corrupt officials and oligarchs today is a single organism of power in Putin’s Russia. The country, its natural resources, and the population is no more than a source of income and self-satisfaction for this organism.

In youth, before 90’s, Ponomarenko made friends with Alexander Skorobogatko and Gritsko Kovalenko in Simferopol. According to some information, their adventures were described subsequently in the documentary book «Gangster’s Crimea» by K.Chernetsov. Officially three of them were included into cooperative society “Saylem” though the local press named them as organized crime group. They forced down the start-up capital under sensitive control of the Ukrainian police: the uncle of one of Skorobogatko’s girlfriends, chief of Regional Department of Internal Affairs of Simferopol, even helped them with their activity at additional expense. Later “Saylem” decided to relocate to Moscow.

Ponomarenko Alexander, material and links

Source: “B-f.ru” from 4/15/2004

In the mid-nineties this triplicity was included to a management board of “Yalosbank”, which subsequently stole 2 trillion not denominated rubles at investors.

Source: “Russia” from 5/27/2004

Among companies deceived by “Yalosbank” there were “Kampomos”, “Udmurtneft”, Izh-Ladabank. In 1997 Central Bank withdraw the license from “Yalosbank”, but its actives were deduced abroad.
A criminal case was brought, however Ponomarev and his friends managed to avoid justice. Three founders of “Yalosbank” Babek Seruf, Alexander Goltsov and Roman Frumson were killed.

After that Ponomarenko together with Skorobogatko and Kovalenko founded Russian regional bank (RGB); then they were engaged in buying up of shares of Novorossiysk port. Also they tried to win contract on building up of deep-water seaport near Baltiysk with assistance of the vice-governor of Kaliningrad region A. Pirogov. However governor Egorov dismissed his assistant, and it did not happen.

Source: “B-f.ru” from 4/15/2004

Financing of a movie “Oligarch” became other collective undertaking of three friends. Having promised 4 million dollars, and having received tax indulgence for that sum, Ponomarenko and his friends decided not to give money. Boris Berezovsky was said to pay for this movie as he was a prototype of the protagonist.

Source: «Kommersant» № 129 (2732) from 7/24/2003

In 2003 a struggle between Russian general bank (RGB) and company “NIKoil” on the one hand and Guta-bank on the other hand started for actives of the large manufacturer of ice-cream OAO “Ice-Fili”. In the summer, 2003 Anatoly Shamanov his son Dmitry supervising the enterprise sold 52 % of shares belonging to them to RGB and «NIKoil». 30 % of the enterprise was supervised by the structures close to “Guta” group. “Guta” group wanted to promote the people into industrial complex board of directors that lead to disagreements with RGB and «NIKoil».

In July, 2003 the court enforcement officers came to the territory of the cold-store complex and showed ruling of Irkutsk arbitration court which said that four companies – “Broks”, “Lorineks”, “Ventur” and “Astoria”, owning 33 of 45 buildings of industrial complex, couldn’t use them. Most likely, these companies were affiliated to “Guta” though in the company it was denied. After four-hour conversation with lawyers of four companies and “Guta” police officers drew up the statement about impossibility to execute ruling of court and left from industrial complex territory.

Source: «Kommersant» № 129 (2732) from 7/24/2003

This attempt of capture of industrial complex occurred just on the eve of meeting of shareholders on which it could be decided whether representatives of “Guta” could get to board of directors of “Ice-Fili”. In “Guta” they considered that the claim in arbitration court was initiated by RGB. However Ponomarenko denied his participation in the claim and visit of police officers though he showed discontent with that the part of buildings of the enterprise was occupied with other companies and these buildings were separately protected.

Source: Compromat.ru from 5/28/2004

Later three judicial instances confirmed that the real estate was stolen, and “Guta” lost control over them.

Source: “B-f.ru” from 4/15/2004

In 2004 in mass-media there was information that results of check of legality of privatization of Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP), spent in 2002 by Audit Chamber and not revealed any infringements, was cancelled, and repeated check was prepared. Then in a press opinions were expressed that RGB, owning 10 % of shares of NCSP, used a package of «NIKoil», and also manipulated 20 %-s’ state package, directing profit to the pocket. Also journalists declared that RGB did not carry out the obligations on investment in port development.

It was informed also that the port turned to a shelter for criminals, including the Chechen insurgents. According to one of versions, auditors did not notice infringements in the port as check was initiated by Skorobogatko, at that moment already the deputy of the State Duma from LDPR. During check he was the assistant to the deputy of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation A.Korovnikov which had a great influence in Audit Chamber. Soon after check Korovnikov had expensive foreign car.

Source: Compromat.ru from 4/22/2004

Shareholders of RGB also publicly answered all these observations made in mass-media. They wrote that all charges in relation to management of RGB were initiated by “Guta” who «wanted to provide itself with free ice-cream till the rest of the life», having received control over “Ice-Fili”. They denied plans of repeated check of NCSP by Audit Chamber, and said the gossips that the film “Oligarch” at the desire of Ponomarev and Skorobogatko was paid by Berezovsky, and also about communication with the Chechen insurgents to be simply ridiculous.

Source: “Russia” from 5/27/2004

Soon RGB merged with another commercial «Bank of investments and savings», the new bank received the name “Investsberbank”. According to one of versions, change of signboards was favorable to both banks that once again «to leave with money».

Source: Compromat.ru from 5/28/2004

Other sources don’t agree with this version, and say that thanks to merge “Investsberbank” could occupy 37th place in ratings for the volume of the actives.

Source “Kommersant” № 101/P (2940) from 6/7/2004

In June 2004 the message of “Interfax” was sent by e-mail among banks that in Guta-bank seizure of documents was made criminal charges concerning its heads were brought. It supposed to be fresh news, however was let out on a tape more year back. The bank management denied this message, and the “NIKoil” was named as instigator which supported RGB in struggle of «Guta” and “Ice-Fili». But the refutation did not work out, and the fake, whoever started it, went off, even better, than, probably, instigators assumed: a number of banks closed limits for Guta-bank, and at the same time for RGB and “Investsberbank” (they just were at an association stage).

At the same time Ponomarenko declared to journalists that all disagreements with “Guta” were settled, it was decided to develop “Ice-Fili” together. And distribution of negative gossips about other bank, in his opinion, causes damage to all bank community.

Source: «Kommersant» № 113 (2952) from 6/25/2004

Soon “Guta” signed the memorandum of the termination of corporate dispute round “Ice-Fili” with RGB and “Uralsib” (which included «NIKoil»). Informally it became known that either one or other party would redeem shares of industrial complex that subsequently was confirmed by Ponomarenko.

This step gave the chance to “Guta” to finish plans targeted long time ago. In the middle of 2003 the group of companies agreed that the government of Moscow would participate in holding «Incorporated confectioners» belonging to it. And the government agreed, however in the spring, 2004 suddenly demanded the shares back – possibly, Ponomarenko and RGB did their best for it. After signing of the memorandum “Guta” had an opportunity of free cooperation with the government.

Source: «Kommersant» № 103 (3187) from 6/8/2005

In spring, 2005 the conflict between shareholders of NCSP started when the board of directors at the initiative of Investsberbank and “Uralsib” suspended powers of general director Vladimir Kovbasyuk, having decided to appoint his assistant Igor Vilinov at this post. Kovbasyuk was considered the criminal case raised in the connection with non-payment of taxes, and also dismissal of Vilinov.

A group “Delo” owning share holding of NCSP (its owner – the deputy of the State Duma Sergey Shishkarev) was not satisfied with such results. Later the company agreed with Investsberbank and “Uralsib” about sale of the shares; however it was decided to dismiss Kovbasyuk anyway. Shishkarev explained that it was profitable for him to sell out shares. “Delo” refused any claims.

Source: Kommersant (Rostov) № 120 (3451) from 7/5/2006

In 2006 Hungarian OTP Bank got 96,4 % of shares of “Investsberbank”. Ponomarenko declared that now he wanted to be engaged in port business closely. He was just re-elected on a post of the head of board of directors in NCSP, having replaced the head of “Uralsib” Nikolay Tsvetkov.

Source: «Kommersant» № 229 (3560) from 12/7/2006

The same year OAO «Russian railways» and its president Vladimir Yakunin declared the initiative to receive the free 20 %-s’ share holding of NCSP consisting both from shares of private traders, and from state shares. Ponomarenko offered OAO “Russian Railways” a share holding for management so that the society could participate in the organization of port business free of charge. OAO “Russian Railways” expected to receive these shares in exchange for loyalty, convenient tariffs, building of the railways to the port.

Source: Kommersant (Rostov) № 81 (3657) from 5/15/2007

In 2007 NCSP discovered the shareholders that allowed it to draw money under favorable interest. In the information memorandum it was said that the port controlling interest belonged to Kadina Limited registered on Virgin Islands.

Source: Kommersant (Rostov) № 203 (3779) from 11/3/2007

After that NCSP came to IPO and earned 980 million dollars by placing shares.

Source: Rb.ru from 4/14/2008

In 2008 Vladimir Putin’s close friend was going to get 10 % of NCSP. Thus, the port could receive protection against claims of other friend of Putin, the former colleague on investigation Nikolay Tokarev, head of company “Transneft” who tried to receive a share in business for several years. In 2003-2004 in a press there was a massive campaign against Ponomarenko, in particular, affirmed that the port on the oil terminal “Sherkhasis” did not organize work, and everything is carried out by “Transneft”, and NCSP takes a payment for transfer. Also the company was accused of absence of investments into port development while “Transneft” invested “Sherhasis”. “Transneft”, thus, tried to achieve terminal sale.

Soon the decision was made.

Source: «Kommersant» № 47 (4102) from 3/18/2009

In 2009 Ponomarenko decided to invest the means received from IPO, in trading real estate, and his company TPS started to carry on negotiations with owners of trading center “Atrium” and River Mall in Moscow. The company also was interested in trading center “Pike”, but they did not manage to agree about the price. TPS was also engaged in two projects of trade center «Gallery Krasnodar» and the project “Festival” in Sochi.

Source: «Kommersant» № 171 (4471) from 9/16/2010

In 2010 Ponomarenko and Skorobogatko sold 50,1 % of shares of NCSP (belonging Kadina) to Nikolay Tokarev’s “Transneft” and «Summa Capital». At first NCSP redeemed 100 % of shares of OAO «Primorsky trading port» at these companies, and then Tokarev redeemed package of NCSP at them, therefore the port received the largest operator on oil-loading in Russia. Ponomarenko and Skorobogatko left board of directors of NCSP. It’s difficult for experts to say why pipeline company “Transneft” needs stevedore business. It is known that the company was first of all interested in bulk-oil terminal “Sherkhasis”.