Tape Retail Chain PelC Tape

Main article: Retail trade in Russia

Lenta is a multi-format grocery and FMCG retailer in Russia.

The company was founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg. The largest shareholders of Lenta are Severgroup. Lenta is listed on the Moscow Exchange under the trading code "LNTA." Until May 2023, the company's securities were also traded on the London Stock Exchange.

Aktivs

As of June 30, 2023, Lenta operates 260 hypermarkets, 513 supermarkets and Mini Lenta stores with a total sales area of ​ ​ almost 1.77 million square meters. m in more than 200 settlements in Russia. The average retail space of one Lenta hypermarket is about 5,500 square meters, the average supermarket area is 800 square meters, the average retail area of ​ ​ Mini Lenta stores is 500 square meters. The company has 15 distribution centers throughout Russia.

Performance indicators

2023: Revenue growth by 14.5% to RUB 615.53 billion

In 2023, Lenta's revenue reached RUB 615.53 billion, up 14.5% from a year earlier. The retailer announced such data on February 5, 2024.

It follows from the materials of Lenta that in 2023 the company's retail revenue increased by 14% compared to 2022 and amounted to 604.66 billion rubles. Hypermarkets brought the retailer 457.84 billion rubles of annual revenue (+ 6). Supermarket revenues decreased by 5.1% (to 67.88 billion rubles), and sales in convenience stores (the results of this format include the results of Monetka and Lenta Mini stores), on the contrary, increased sharply - by 316.4%, to 78.94 billion rubles.

Sales of Lenta's comparable stores (like-for-like, LfL) increased by 4.6% in 2023. The average check increased by 2.6%, consumer traffic - by 2%. Online sales of Lenta in 2023 reached 53.24 billion rubles, an increase of almost a third (+ 31.8%) on an annualized basis. In particular, in the direction of Lenta Online (includes the services Lenta Online, Utkonos and Click & Collect), 10.8% revenue growth was recorded, to 31.39 billion rubles. The average check of buyers of goods in Lenta via the Internet for the year decreased by 8.3%, to 2131 rubles.

Lenta also reports that by the end of 2023, the total number of loyalty cards issued by the company reached 38.3 million, including 3.1 million units activated in the fourth quarter of 2023. The share of transactions using loyalty cards is 96.6%.

As of December 31, 2023, the number of stores managed by the retailer reached 2,819, including 261 hypermarkets, 246 supermarkets and 2,312 convenience stores. Lenta's trading space at the end of December amounted to 2.3 million square meters. m, which is 30% more than at the end of 2022.^[1]

2022: Revenue growth by 11.1%, to 537.4 billion rubles

In 2022, Lenta gained 537.4 billion rubles, which is 11.1% more than a year earlier. Almost all of this amount fell on retail sales - 530.2 billion rubles, which is 11.4% higher than a year ago. The retailer published its financial and operating results on January 30, 2023.

Gross profit increased over the year by 8.7% to 120.7 billion rubles. At the same time, gross margin decreased by 51 bp to 22.5%. EBITDA amounted to 32.6 billion rubles, EBITDA margin - 6.1%. The ratio of net debt to EBITDA at December 31, 2022 was 1.6x compared to 1.4x at December 31, 2021.

Revenues of Lenta hypermarkets in 2022 increased by 3.3% compared to 2021 and amounted to 431.87 billion rubles. The total revenue of the company's smaller stores rose by 56.7%, to 90.48 billion rubles.

Comparable sales (LFL) at the end of 2022 increased by 2.3%, while the LFL-average check increased by 5%. The total number of stores reached 820, including 259 hypermarkets and 561 small format stores. The total trading area increased by 1.9% and amounted to 1,788,2 thousand square meters. m. Online sales increased by 108.9% yoy to RUB 40.4 billion; At the end of the year, revenue from online sales reached 7.5% of Lenta's total sales. The average check decreased by 3.8%, to 1,051 rubles, but the number of checks increased by 15.8%, to 505 million rubles.

In 2022, total business, general and administrative expenses (prior to IFRS application) increased by 21.4% to RUB 113.0 billion. Commercial, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased by 178 bp, mainly due to a 94 bp increase in personnel expenses, a 57 bp increase in rental expenses and 19 bp increase in professional services expenses. Capital expenses amounted to 11.0 billion rubles, an increase of 17.8% year-on-year. Capital expenditures were mainly related to the opening of small format stores, the integration of the Bill, Family and Platypus networks and the development of IT systems.

The revenue of Utkonos at the end of 2022 turned out to be equal to 7.85 billion rubles (the figure for 2021 is not indicated). Wholesale sales of Lenta decreased by 8.3%, to 7.2 billion rubles.

Free cash flow for the full year 2022 amounted to RUB 2.9 billion, an increase of 5.3% year-on-year, mainly due to a significant decrease in net cash used in investment activities, which was partially offset by a decrease in net cash received from operating activities.

In 2022, the entire Russian business faced exceptional challenges that required our team to take decisive measures - reconfiguring supply channels, establishing relationships with new suppliers, establishing settlement processes with foreign counterparties, says Lenta CEO Vladimir Sorokin. - In 2022, customers continued to save money and gradually switched to cheaper goods. During the year, we carried out work to revise our assortment, adjusting it accordingly to the needs of our customers.[2]

Digitalization and robots

Main article: Digitalization and robots in Lenta

History

2024: Launch of the Wingarazh chain of alcomarkets

In mid-February 2024, it became known about the creation by Lenta of its own network of alcoholic beverages stores called Wingarage. For this project, the company registers the rights to the Wingarage brand and began searching for employees for development on HeadHunter. Read more here.

2023

Buying a chain of stores "Monetka"

On October 17, 2023, Lenta officially announced the purchase of the Monetka chain of convenience stores, which includes 2120 outlets. The total trading area of ​ ​ the assets included in the perimeter of the transaction amounted to 606 thousand square meters. m, it is 100% leased. Most Monetka stores are located in the Urals and Western Siberia, the average trading area of ​ ​ one is 290 square meters. m. The financial component of the transaction was not disclosed by the company. Read more here.

Increase in the volume of purchases of Russian tulips. Agreement with Orenburg supplier

Lenta, a Russian multi-format retail chain, has entered into a long-term agreement for the supply of tulips with a supplier from Orenburg. Representatives of Lenta reported this to TAdviser on September 13, 2023.

Under the terms of the agreement, the retail chain will pay part of the cost, and Atena Greenhouse Farm will grow and supply 8 million tulips to the company's stores, which will meet quality and appearance requirements. This type of partnership is beneficial to both the supplier and the retail network and minimizes the risks associated with the quality of goods and the costs of building supply chains.

The document, in particular, provides for the supply of 15 colors, including premium Strong Gold, Strong Love and Dutch Design.

According to Lenta, in 2023 the retail chain doubled the volume of tulip purchases from Russia - the number of domestic suppliers doubled. The main partners of the retail network are manufacturers from the Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Orenburg and Tomsk regions. In March 2023, Lenta also announced an increase in the volume of flower imports from Armenia and a reduction to a minimum in the share of tulips from the Netherlands.

Opening of the "FRESH restaurant tape" in St. Petersburg

On July 10, 2023, Lenta announced the opening of the FRESH Restaurant Lenta in St. Petersburg in a hypermarket at 69 Bucharest Street.

The restaurant has a large menu and a variety of gastronomic areas: Italy, Asia and the East, street food. It features breakfasts and dinners, a variety of cold and hot drinks, as well as ice cream and desserts.

The restaurant concept provides for an open kitchen, self-catering, serving dishes in porcelain dishes and a daily menu update with more than 500 items. The range and prices take into account the needs of buyers with different culinary preferences and approaches to nutrition, including lovers of a healthy lifestyle. The restaurant has a salad bar and breakfast bar, where you can choose any dish at a price of 159 rubles per plate. Complex dinners are also presented at a price of 279 rubles.

The room is designed for 120 guests. Customers will be able not only to eat in the restaurant, but order takeaway food. The average check of a restaurant is 400 rubles.

Thanks to the opening of a family restaurant, the company plans to increase traffic in the store, increase loyalty to its own brand "Lenta Fresh" and its own products.

Opening of the third hypermarket in Surgut

On July 5, 2023, Lenta announced the opening of a third hypermarket in Surgut at 38 Yugorsky tract.

The total area of ​ ​ this hypermarket is 10,384 square meters, 5,802 square meters occupies trade space. The rented premises are located in the shopping and entertainment center "Surgut City Mall," on the territory of which there is a parking lot for buyers, designed for 2,000 cars.

The hall has 25 cash desks, including seven self-service cash desks. Visitors to the hypermarket can pay for purchases in cash, bank cards, through the Express Checkout System or using the "Pay Feed." The store is open from 8:00 to 00:00, seven days a week.

The assortment is formed taking into account the needs of residents of Surgut and includes more than 26,000 items of goods. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers can purchase products from 19 local manufacturers.

The store space is organized in such a way that it is convenient for the customer to make large weekly, daily and impulse purchases. The emphasis is on the display of the promotional assortment, Fresh products and own brands.

Customers can buy rustic bread and pizza on rustic dough, kebabs in various marinades and other products of their own production, the assortment of which has almost 1,200 items.

A number of innovations have been introduced in the hypermarket: contrast and accent lighting, an open-type information rack, new trading equipment, and a cafe where products of their own production are sold. In addition, the store has a dedicated area for assembling online orders with an area of ​ ​ 40 square meters.

The store in Surgut became the second hypermarket that the company opened in 2023.

Opening of a hypermarket in the village of Otradnoye, Voronezh region

On June 15, 2023, Lenta announced the opening of a hypermarket in the village of Otradnoye, Novousmansky District, Voronezh Region, at 4 Osinovaya Street.

The total area of ​ ​ this hypermarket is 9,378 square meters, 5,335 square meters occupies trade space. On the territory of the store there is a parking lot for customers, designed for 503 cars, in the store hall there are 25 ticket offices, including eight self-service ticket offices. Visitors to the hypermarket can pay for purchases in cash, bank cards or through the Fast Payment System.

The store is open from 8:00 to 23:00, seven days a week. The hypermarket assortment is formed taking into account the needs of residents of the Voronezh region and includes more than 22,000 items of goods as of June 2023. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers can purchase products from more than 25 local manufacturers.

The store space is organized in such a way that it is convenient for the customer to make large weekly, daily and impulse purchases. The emphasis is on the distribution of Fresh products. Customers can purchase rustic bread, tandoor cakes, live fish and a large assortment of kebabs in various marinades. The range of products manufactured in-house has more than 1,100 items.

A number of innovations have been introduced in the hypermarket: contrast and accent lighting, an open-type information rack, the facade of the building is made in a new style, up-to-date trading equipment has been installed. From June 22, the store will begin to collect online orders, from June 29, the Dark Store will work with an area of ​ ​ more than 200 square meters. Thanks to the opening of the hypermarket, the Lenta Online service will become available in seven large settlements on the left bank of Voronezh and will reduce delivery time in this part of the city.

The building is owned by the company.

Opening of a distribution center in Voronezh

On May 19, 2023, Lenta announced the opening of a distribution center in Voronezh.

The area of ​ ​ the distribution center is 1,000 square meters, it is located on Brusilov Street in Voronezh. There are rooms for storing food and non-food products.

The company will use the warehouse to service local suppliers and deliver their products to chain stores, as well as as a cross-docking platform for the delivery of goods from Moscow. The distribution center will process goods for stores in Voronezh and the region. Earlier, Lenta delivered products from distribution centers in Moscow to the region.

By using these warehouse capacities, the company optimizes logistics costs thanks to the use of low-tonnage vehicles that serve small-format stores.

At the first stage, more than 10 local manufacturers will supply products to the multi-temperature warehouse.

Leaving the London Exchange

Lenta left the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The retailer announced this on May 4, 2023. The decision to terminate the listing of global depositary receipts (GDR) on the British site is due to the expiration of the permission of the government commission of the Russian Federation, which was received for a year in May 2022, the company explained.

Lenta urged GDR holders to contact Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas directly to discuss possible options for enforcing their rights to the securities, including the possibility of converting the receipts into ordinary shares.

Lenta began trading GDR on the LSE in February 2014. By May 4, 2023, the retailer's securities (shares and GDR) continue to be applied to the Moscow Exchange - on this day by 17:35 they cost 723.5 rubles apiece, from the opening of trading they lost 0.89% in price.

Delisting - exclusion of securities of a certain issuer from the quotation list of the stock exchange. After delisting, the issuer's securities cannot be traded on the exchange, where the company is excluded from the quotation list.

Earlier, the president Russia Vladimir Putin signed a law that prohibits the placement and circulation on foreign stock exchanges of depositary receipts for shares of Russian companies. At the same time, issuers whose securities were already traded abroad had to delist and convert receipts into shares. The law came into force on April 27, 2022. On March 3 of the same year, LSE suspended trading in securities of Russian companies, among them, in particular, Lenta.

Lenta's securities belong to more speculative stories due to the predominant share of hypermarkets - a segment that is losing popularity, says Anna Finam Buylakova, an analyst at FG. Finam does not track the company, but they believe that Lenta's acquisitions of Utkonos and Billa Russia stores may turn out to be steps in the right direction.^[3]

Plan for the opening of Tobacco Point departments in hypermarkets in St. Petersburg

On March 31, 2023, Lenta announced that it was opening its own specialized Tobacco Point departments in hypermarkets in St. Petersburg.

Shops with an area of ​ ​ 8 to 20 square meters will operate in the sublease zone. The assortment has from 650 to 1000 items of tobacco products, souvenirs, electronic cigarettes and hookahs.

The company has trained consultants to help customers decide on their choice and talk about new products, manufacturers and tastes. At the same time, tobacco products of leading brands will be available at the box office of pilot hypermarkets.

The Tobacco Point departments will open in stores located at the addresses: 60 Parachute Street, Planernaya, 17a, Uralskaya, 29a, Rustaveli, 61a, Ligovsky Prospekt, 283a, Obukhovskaya Defense Avenue, 305, Far Eastern Prospekt, 16. In addition, in hypermarkets in Peterhof, the village of Staro-Panovo and Shushary.

The retail chain plans to test the pilot until the end of June 2023. If successful, the company will decide to scale.

Update customer information areas in four hypermarkets

On January 23, 2023, Lenta announced the update of customer information areas in four hypermarkets. Visitors to stores can use additional services.

Open-type information racks are equipped in four stores in St. Petersburg, Tomsk, Tyumen and Ufa. Their area is about one and a half times larger than in other hypermarkets, and ranges from 23 to 28 square meters.

In the updated customer service areas, store customers can not only get answers to questions, but also use the services of photocopying, printing documents from information media. In hypermarkets in St. Petersburg at 61 Rustaveli, in Tomsk at 13 Elizarovs Street and in Tyumen at 19 Alebashevskaya Street, cabinets with goods of their own brands are installed. An average of 10 products will be presented here, the calculation will be updated monthly. Thanks to new services, the company plans to increase customer loyalty.

The spaces are organized in such a way as to be as convenient as possible for customers and employees: work surfaces are expanded, chairs are installed, accent lighting is made. The racks provide additional workplaces for registration, storage and issuance of online orders to customers.

Lenta plans to expand the functionality of updated information racks to offer customers new services.

2022

Opening of a hypermarket in Tomsk

On November 25, 2022, Lenta announced the opening of a hypermarket in Tomsk at 13 Elizarovs Street.

The total area of ​ ​ the hypermarket is 9,570 square meters, of which 5,279 square meters occupies trade space. For the convenience of buyers, the hypermarket is equipped with parking for 374, car 33 cash registers are installed in the trading floor, including 7 self-service ticket offices. The hypermarket is owned by the company.

The store is open 24/7. The hypermarket assortment is formed taking into account the needs of Tomsk residents and includes more than 26,000 items of goods as of November 2022. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from more than 20 local manufacturers.

The store space is organized in such a way that it is convenient for the customer to make large weekly, daily and impulse purchases. The emphasis is on calculations that support short missions, there is a quick shopping path for those who went for a small purchase. Small convenient baskets appeared in the store. Also, customers can buy hot pizza, grilled chicken, fast food. The range of products of its own production has more than 800 items.

A number of innovations have been introduced in the hypermarket: contrast and accent lighting, an open-type information rack, the facade of the building is made in a new style. The store has expanded the area for picking online orders, a warm area for storing carts has appeared. In addition, the area for displaying promotional goods has been increased.

{{quote 'author = said Lenta CEO Vladimir Sorokin told.|An open store is a retail space with a large assortment. Thanks to competitive prices and a loyalty program, residents and guests of Tomsk can receive additional benefits from the purchase of exactly the goods for which they come to us, }}

This agazin was the first hypermarket that Lenta opened in 2022. With the opening of a retail outlet in Tomsk, the company increased the network to 255 hypermarkets.

On December 21, 2021, a fire broke out in a hypermarket located at Tomsk, Elizarov Street, 13, caused by deliberate arson. After the warning and fire extinguishing systems were activated, buyers and staff were evacuated, no one was injured during the incident. As a result of the fire in the store, the trading floor was completely destroyed. The fire destroyed goods and other material and technical values. The company employed employees in other stores of the retail chain, more than half of them were hired in the newly opened hypermarket.

The hypermarket was insured in accordance with Lenta's standard practice.

Increase return times and allow refunds without a visit to the store

On November 24, 2022, Lenta announced the expansion of the conditions for the return of the allocated categories of goods: the company increased the terms and provided customers with the opportunity to return money without a visit to the store.

Lenta has improved a number of return mechanics. Customers can now return money for a low-quality product without a visit to the store. To do this, it is enough to write chat boat in the company messengers Telegram in or WhatsApp through other reverse channels. In communications this case, the cost of the goods will return with points to "Card No. 1," the cost of one point is equal to one. I cut

The company also increased the return period for non-food products from 14 to 30 days. A client who, for some reason, did not fit the product, can return it to the store where he made the purchase. In this case, the product type, consumer properties, seals and factory labels must be preserved.

In addition, buyers can independently check the performance of the equipment within 14 days, and in case of a defect, the company will immediately return funds or bonus points to the "Card No. 1" at the choice of the client. Previously, the buyer had to hand over the goods to the service center and wait for a return from seven to 45 days.

Our updated return policy takes into account the current approach in creating a positive customer experience so that customers do not feel uncomfortable when the product does not fit. Improving our customer experience is one of our growth priorities, which we identified in Lenta's growth strategy to 2025. said the director of loyalty and CRM "Lenta" Galina Kardaeva.

Buyers can issue a return of goods without a check and application, for this you need to contact the store information desk, name the number "Card No. 1" and the date of purchase.

Expansion of Recycling Collection Infrastructure

On November 15, 2022, Lenta announced the expansion of its recycling infrastructure.

123 collection points for unnecessary clothes, waste paper, coffee capsules, bread bags, plastic caps, paper and PET are installed in parking lots and stores of the Lenta chain. In 41 stores in six cities of the company's presence, customers can hand over PET bottles and aluminum to automated devices for processing. For six months, the company, together with partners, transferred 140 tons of plastic bottles, aluminum cans and other secondary raw materials for processing.

In October 2022, Lenta expanded its cooperation with the Thank You charity store and installed additional boxes in seven regions of the country. From April to September, Lenta customers handed over 41 tons of clothing, a total of 39 containers from various partners were installed.

Since 2018, used batteries can be brought to chain stores and recycled. In the first half of the year, 52 tons of used cells collected at 251 points across the country were sent for processing.

Unnecessary plastic cards can also be handed over in 394 stores of the Lenta chain. 11 tons of plastic did not go to landfills in 2022 thanks to the joint project "Lenta" and the application "Wallet."

Anyone can learn about the company's initiatives in the field of environmental protection and join them on the online platform "Lenta" GreenLab, dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and conscious consumption.

Opening of small format stores in the Voronezh region

On September 30, 2022, Lenta announced the opening of the first near-home stores in Voronezh and the village of Yamnoe, Ramonsky District, Voronezh Region.

The company opened the first small-format store in Voronezh on September 30 at 223 Begovaya Street, Building 3. The area of ​ ​ the Mini Lenta trading floor is 432 square meters. The store has three cash desks, the assortment includes more than 4,600 products.

The second store opened in the village of Yamnoye at 32a Field Marshal Kutuzov Street. The area of ​ ​ the trading floor is 421 square meters, three ticket offices will work here. Customers will be able to purchase more than 5,000 items.

Outlets will operate from 9.00 to 22.00. The assortment is formed and selected to meet the short purchasing missions and all the daily needs of residents of nearby houses. The stores contain products from local manufacturers.

In addition to small format stores in Voronezh, there are two hypermarkets of the company.

Since the beginning of 2022, Lenta has opened more than 50 outlets. Most of them appeared in Moscow and the Moscow region, in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.

Opening of Product Lab in St. Petersburg

On September 9, 2022, Lenta announced the opening of the first test center in St. Petersburg, where research on its own brand products will be held.

Product Lab opened in St. Petersburg in a hypermarket at 60 Parachute Street. The 80 square meter space will host tastings of own-made dishes and new goods of Lenta's own brands. Test participants will evaluate the quality of products, as well as packaging and design. The best products will be on the shelves of the retail chain.

Participants in the tasting will be active consumers of the products under study who shop in a hypermarket. The company will invite them based on analysis data to provide a representative sample. For participation in tastings and interviews, Lenta will charge bonuses to Card No. 1.

Each test is given from 10 to 30 minutes, the test center can undergo 2-3 studies of different products at the same time. In total, the company plans to conduct about 30 studies per month.

Шаблон:Quote 'author = said Lenta's own brand management director Alexander Kotlyarov.

The company plans to expand the geography of the project in 2023.

Creating 442 jobs in six months

On July 19, 2022, Lenta announced that in six months it created 442 jobs in ten regions of the country. More than half falls on Moscow and the Moscow region.

They follow, and St. Petersburg Leningrad , Novosibirsk region which accounted for 61, 49 and 39 vacancies, respectively. For six months of 2021, the leaders in this indicator were,,, and Moscow region, Kazan Veliky Novgorod where Perm the Rostov-on-Don retail chain opened hypermarkets and service centers of the company.

The peak of interest of candidates was recorded from March 15 to April 15. More often than others, applicants from the Moscow region show interest in vacancies - 36 percent, less often - from the Volga region and the southern regions. Managers account for 28 percent of these vacancies. This is almost three times higher than in the first half of 2021.

Lenta offers applicants comfortable working conditions, focuses on the development of employees and caring for them. We offer opportunities for professional growth, revise the management and bonus system, and improve the procedures for paying salaries. These measures are yielding positive results: in the first half of the year, the staffing level increased by four percentage points compared to the same period in 2021, said Lenta HR Director Tatyana Yurkevich.

Placement of shares for 20 billion rubles to pay for the purchase of Utkonos

As it became known on June 21, 2022, Lenta placed shares worth 20 billion rubles to pay for the purchase of the online hypermarket Utkonos. The securities are placed in favor of the retailer's main shareholder, Severgroup.

As Interfax reports with reference to the Lenta message, the retail chain placed 18,399,265 shares (77.99% of the issue volume) by private subscription at a price of 1,087 rubles per share. The package was paid by offsetting claims in the amount of 20 billion rubles and cash in the amount of 1,055 rubles without dividing the number of shares paid by offsetting and the number of shares paid by cash.

The company announced in early February 2022 that in order to finance the acquisition of Utkonos, Lenta will place an additional issue of ordinary shares by closed subscription in favor of Severgroup. Then the retailer noted that shareholders who voted against or did not take part in the voting on the issue of subscription will receive the preemptive right to purchase additional shares.

Lenta plans to make a payment to Severgroup LLC after receiving funds raised as part of the placement of shares. At the same time, the closure of the sale of Utkonos to Lenta was announced on February 1, 2022.

With the acquisition of Utkonos, Lenta expects to increase competition in the price segments above average and premium, and the share in the e-grocery segment of Lenta will increase significantly to about 11%, the company adds.

By June 2022, Lenta is implementing a plan to merge Lenta Online and Platypus into a single business with two brands, each of which will cover its own market segment and certain purchasing missions.^[4]

Opening a convenience store in Petrozavodsk

On June 20, 2022, Lenta announced the opening of a convenience store in Petrozavodsk.

The store is open at 38b Pravda Street. The area of ​ ​ the Mini Lenta trading floor is 469 square meters. The store has four checkouts, including two self-service checkouts. The assortment includes 5,500 goods, it is formed taking into account the preferences of residents of Petrozavodsk and is selected so as to satisfy short shopping missions and all the daily needs of residents of nearby houses. The store presents products from local manufacturers.

Since the beginning of 2022, Lenta has opened more than 50 additional outlets. Most of them appeared in Moscow and the Moscow region, in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.

Offering cooperation to companies that leave the Russian market

On March 28, 2022, Lenta announced the offer of cooperation to companies that are leaving the Russian market due to sanctions.

The retail chain is ready to participate in the outplacement program of dismissed employees.

Lenta is ready to accept sellers, cashiers, drivers and employees of its own production. In addition, the company is interested in employing specialists in the field of digital marketing, IT and procurement.

{{quote 'author = said Lenta HR Director Tatyana Yurkevich. |

Lenta is ready to cooperate with all companies that plan to reduce staff due to leaving the Russian market. We will be pleased to welcome into our family both specialists and those who do not have work experience, but are ready to study,}}

Creation of the Small Format Directorate

On May 5, 2022, Lenta announced changes in its management and organizational structure. The Company creates an additional division - the Small Format Directorate. The Small Format Directorate will be responsible for implementing Lenta's small format expansion strategy, managing small format stores (MMFs), operational development of MMFs, improving their operational efficiency and ensuring that targets are met.

Emil Bagirov has been appointed to the position of Director for Small Formats. Read more here.

Open shop-in-shop with Riv Ghosh

On March 11, 2022, Lenta announced that, together with the Russian perfume and cosmetic network RIV GOSH, they opened the first shop-in-shop store in the Leningrad Region. Read more here.

Resignation of members of the Board of Directors due to EU sanctions

On March 2, 2022, Lenta announced the resignation of Ore Pedersen, Steve Johnson, Michael Lynch-Bell and Thomas Korganas from the posts of members of the Board of Directors of Lenta ICPAO and other positions in the Group companies from March 1 and 2, 2022.

The resignations came after the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals on February 28, 2022, including Mr. Alexei Mordashov, the ultimate beneficial owner of Severgroup LLC, which is a shareholder holding a 77.99% stake in Lenta.

2021

Revenue growth by 8.6%, to 483.64 billion rubles

On February 21, 2022, Lenta reported an 8.6% increase in revenue for the previous year - up to 483.64 billion rubles. Net profit of the retail chain decreased by 21.8%, to 13.65 billion rubles.

The retailer attributed the rise in revenue to a 15.6% increase in retail space and a 2.4% rise in comparable (LFL) sales. At the same time, wholesale sales decreased by 2.5% and amounted to 1.6% of Lenta's revenue in 2021.

Lenta's capital expenditures for 2021 amounted to 9.3 billion rubles, an increase of 23.3% compared to 2020. The growth was due to the acceleration of the pace of organic store opening (141 stores on a gross basis for full 2021 compared to 20 stores for full 2020), the completion of the construction of new distribution centers, ongoing expenses for the development of information systems and expenses related to the integration of Bill stores.

By the end of 2021, Lenta's total debt increased by 12% compared to 2020, to 88.4 billion rubles. Net debt decreased by 3.6%, to 55.1 billion rubles. Net debt to EBITDA was 1.4x compared to 1.5x at the end of 2020.

Commercial, general and administrative expenses increased by 21.8%, to 28.302 billion rubles, as a percentage of revenue expenses increased to 19.2% from 18.7% against the background of an increase in personnel costs (to 7.4% from 7%), depreciation (to 3.1% from 3%) and rent (to 1.9% from 1.4%).

Commenting on Lenta's financial and operating results, CEO Vladimir Sorokin noted that in 2021 the retailer expanded its presence in the market thanks to a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The net growth of our chain amounted to 364 stores. He also noted that by the end of 2021, the company opened 133 stores in the Mini Lenta format^[5]

Internet sales growth by 208%, to 19.34 billion rubles

In 2021, sales of products and goods via the Internet at Lenta reached 19.34 billion rubles, an increase of 208% compared to 2020, when the indicator was measured at 6.27 billion rubles. The retailer announced such data on January 27, 2022.

Online sales through partners doubled to 10.63 billion rubles from 5.26 billion rubles. Lenta's own services demonstrated higher growth rates. Thus, sales of the Lenta Online delivery service increased more than nine times (by 813%), to 8.085 billion rubles from 886 million rubles a year earlier. Sales through the click & collect service increased fivefold (by 406%), to 631 million rubles.

In 2021, Lenta processed 10.4 million orders, which is 221% more than in 2020. Online partners accounted for 5.88 million orders (+ 126% by 2020), the Lenta Online platform - 4.29 million (+ 609%). The average check within the framework of Internet orders amounted to 1852 rubles against 1930 rubles in 2020.

The total revenue of Lenta in 2021 amounted to 483.64 billion rubles, which is 8.6% more than a year ago. The company's retail revenue increased by 8.8% to 475.79 billion rubles. Hypermarkets brought the retailer 416.8 billion rubles, which is 4.4% more than a year earlier.

In 2021, Lenta added 236.385 thousand new retail space (forecast was at least 200 thousand square meters). The company opened three hypermarkets and closed the same number. In the supermarket segment, the retailer chain grew by 373 new stores (9 stores were closed). As a result, the net increase was 364 stores. The total number of stores as of December 31, 2021 was 757 (including 254 hypermarkets and 503 small stores).

The company noted that in 2021, Lenta began work on multi-format organic expansion, digital business development and strategic acquisitions of retailers Bill, Family, and Utkonos^[6]

Purchase of "Platypus" for 20 billion rubles

On December 16, 2021, Lenta announced the purchase of Utkonos for 20 billion rubles. The retailer will finance this deal with an additional issue of its shares. Read more here.

Placement of ordinary shares on the Moscow Exchange

On December 1, 2021, the Moscow Stock Exchange began trading in Lenta ordinary shares (ticker - LNTA). They are included in the "First Level" of the list of securities that are admitted to trading on the site.

By placing ordinary shares on the Moscow Exchange, Lenta will delist global depositary receipts (GDRs). After delisting the GDRs from the Moscow Exchange, the owners of the GDRs will be able to continue trading them on the London Stock Exchange.

Holders of GDRs that convert their securities into ordinary shares will be required to pay to the depositary a GDR cancellation fee of 3 cents per GDR (instead of the standard fee of 5 cents per GDR), provided that the depository receives a duly completed cover letter from the respective GDR holder between December 1, 2021 and February 1, 2022. If such an order is received by the depositary after the specified period, a standard fee of 5 cents will apply.

Holders of GDRs that convert their GDRs into shares before January 20, 2022 will not pay an annual administrative fee of 3 cents per GDR, which will be charged by the depository in 2022.

In February 2021, Lenta completed redomicitation from Cyprus to a special administrative district on Oktyabrsky Island in the Kaliningrad Region. Earlier, shareholders approved a new version of the retailer's charter and the conversion of its authorized capital into rubles. The company in 2021 also reported that in light of the redomication, it expects the start of trading in its ordinary shares on the Moscow Exchange in the second quarter.

As expected, for some time the shares and depositary receipts of the retailer will be traded on the site in parallel, then the receipts will stop circulation. The financial director of Lenta, Rood Pedersen, commenting on this process, said that it took longer than expected.^[7]

Completion of the acquisition of the Family network

On August 26, 2021, Lenta announced that its indirect subsidiary Lenta LLC had completed the purchase of the Family Group of Companies. Read more here.

Completion of the acquisition of supermarkets of the Bill Russia chain

On August 3, 2021, Lenta, a multi-format retail chain in Russia, announced that its indirect subsidiary Lenta LLC had completed the purchase of the Bill Russia supermarket chain. As a result of the acquisition, approved by the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia in July 2021, Lenta will become the second supermarket operator in Moscow and the Moscow Region in terms of the number of stores. Read more here.

Purchase of Perm retailer "Family" for 2.35 billion rubles

On June 17, 2021, Lenta announced the purchase of the Family group, which is the fourth largest retailer in the Perm Territory. The transaction cost amounted to 2.35 billion rubles. Read more here.

Buying a supermarket chain Billa in Russia for 215 million euros

On May 19, 2021, Lenta announced the acquisition of the Billa supermarket chain in Russia. The deal worth 215 million euros will be fully paid by cash to buyers (that is, without attracting its shares). Read more here.

Opening of "Mini Lenta" in St. Petersburg

On April 21, 2021, Lenta announced the presentation of the near-home store format and the opening of the first Mini Lenta in St. Petersburg.

This store opened in St. Petersburg at Maly Prospekt Vasilyevsky Island, 63/14 building 1. The total area of ​ ​ the room is 370 sq.m., 256 sq.m. of which occupies trade space. The store is in a rented space. There are 5 cash desks in the hall, including 2 self-service cash desks.

"Mini Lenta" works seven days a week from 9.00 to 22.00. The assortment for April 2021 includes 3,000 goods, it is formed taking into account the preferences of residents of St. Petersburg and is selected in such a way as to satisfy short shopping missions and all the daily needs of residents of nearby houses.

"Mini Lenta" is a young format of the company's stores, which Lenta plans to develop as part of a long-term growth strategy. The 200-850sqm stores will be closer to everyday shoppers and will open in residential areas. As part of the format, the retail area has been expanded to 80% of the space, so in convenience stores, the company has reduced the number of refrigeration equipment and storage area, focusing on the assortment. The emphasis is on fresh pastries from your own bakery, vegetables, fruits, other Fresh products, drinks and goods for every day. Lenta uses vertical layout and built-in trading equipment to increase the efficiency of its retail space. Some stores will also have coffee machines, juice machines and a grill area. All this allows the company to offer the consumer an up-to-date range of high-quality goods at the most attractive prices. In addition, customers can take advantage of individual offers in the updated Lenta loyalty program and accumulate points on Card No. 1.

Two more stores of this format will open in St. Petersburg in the near future. Several stores in other regions are in different stages of preparation for launch.

Mini Lenta is a format that we are starting to develop as part of our growth strategy. In 2021, we chose three priorities for the development of the region - St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novosibirsk. Stores of this format will be attractive due to the accurate selection of the assortment, high quality of goods and individual price offer for the buyer. All of them will work in accordance with the high operational standards that visitors to our hypermarkets and supermarkets are accustomed to, "said Lenta CEO Vladimir Sorokin.

Opening of "Mini Lenta" in Sergiev Posad

On April 19, 2021, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, announced the opening of the first near-home store in the Moscow region.

Mini Lenta opened in Sergiev Posad at 322a, Red Army Avenue. The total area of ​ ​ the premises is 556.6 square meters, of which 445 square meters. m is the retail area. There are 6 cash desks in the hall, including 3 self-service cash desks. The store is in a rented space.

"Mini Lenta" works seven days a week from 8.00 to 22.00. The assortment of the store includes more than 5,500 items for April 2021, it is formed from the most popular food and non-food products in such a way as to meet all the daily needs of residents of nearby houses. The emphasis is on fresh pastries, vegetables, fruits, other Fresh products, drinks and goods for every day. The range of non-food products covers all key basic needs of customers.

Mini Lenta is a format that we are starting to develop as part of our growth strategy. This is our way to get closer to customers and offer a well-chosen range of quality products at favorable prices along with shopping experience. Stores of this format operate in accordance with the high operational standards that visitors to our hypermarkets and supermarkets are accustomed to, "said Lenta CEO Vladimir Sorokin.

Establishment of the Commerce and Marketing Directorate and the Strategy and Transformation Directorate

On January 21, 2021, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, announced changes in the management structure and organizational structure of the company, which will enter into force on January 25, 2021.

To support the company's changed strategy, Lenta management decided on organizational changes. The company creates two divisions - the Directorate of Commerce and Marketing and the Directorate of Strategy and Transformation.

The area of ​ ​ responsibility of the Commerce and Marketing Directorate will include category management, procurement and development, management of the portfolio of own brands and continuous improvement of purchasing experience in all Lenta formats, as well as marketing support for relevant initiatives.

Dmitry Bogod will take the position of Commercial Director.

The tasks of the Strategy and Transformation Directorate will include the development of company positioning, strategic project management, search and development of innovations.

Anastasia Volokhova will join Lenta as Director of Strategy and Transformation.

Tatiana Safutina, Director of Commercial Services, and Yap van Vreden, Director of Procurement and Supply, will leave Lenta.

{{quote 'author = said Lenta CEO Vladimir Sorokin | The changes in Lenta's leadership structure are designed to increase the speed of decision-making and improve coordination between our commercial and marketing projects. These changes will allow us to improve our value proposition and become a truly customer-centric retailer. In addition, we strengthen the management of strategy and transformation during the implementation of the company's strategy.

I want to thank Tatyana and Yap for their contribution to the development and achievements of Lenta and wish them success in future projects.

With the team update, we remain focused on making the right operational and strategic decisions to ensure the long-term interests of Lenta shareholders.}}

2020

Net profit - 17.4 billion rubles

As a result of its work in 2020, Lenta registered a net profit of 17.4 billion rubles (net profit margin - 3.9%), while in 2019 the retailer had net losses of 2.1 billion rubles and negative profitability of 0.5%.

Lenta itself associates the losses of 2019 with non-cash expenses, which amounted to 14.1 billion rubles, including impairment of assets in the amount of 11.8 billion rubles. Lenta's poor business margins are blamed on weak macroeconomic performance, aggressive competition and growing promotional activity coupled with their own lapses in the non-food range.

According to Lenta, despite the difficult situation in 2020, the company continued to pay special attention to cost control. Nevertheless, the cost of 1.5 billion rubles associated with ensuring the safety of visitors and employees against the background of COVID-19 created additional pressure on the company's profitability indicators. Commercial, general and administrative expenses decreased to 18.3% of revenue, down 3 basis points year-on-year.

Lenta explained its net profit at the end of 2020 by its large retail revenue (437.49 billion rubles, + 7.3% by 2019).

The total debt of Lenta at the end of 2020 amounted to 113.39 billion rubles, a decrease of 37.9% compared to the end of the previous year. Net debt decreased by 16.2%, to 91.59 billion rubles.

It also follows from Lenta's reporting that the network's capital investments in 2020 amounted to 7.6 billion rubles, which is 46% less on an annualized basis. Net cash from operating activities amounted to 27.3 billion rubles, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year.

On the day of the publication of financial and operating results for 2020, Lenta shares fell in price by 2%.^[8]

Revenue growth by 6.7%, to 445.544 billion rubles

Lenta completed 2020 with a 6.7 percent revenue growth of RUB 445.54 billion. Retail revenue rose by 7.3%, to 437.49 billion rubles, and wholesale revenues decreased by 17.3%, to 8.05 billion rubles.

According to the financial statements, the retail revenue of Lenta hypermarkets in 2020 reached 399.26 billion rubles, which is 7.1% more than a year ago. The total turnover of supermarkets increased by 9.3%, od 38.23 billion rubles.

Comparable retail sales ("LFL") in 2020 increased by 5.4%, the average LFL check increased by 11.6%, LFL traffic decreased by 5.5%.

The retail area of ​ ​ Lenta stores in 2020 increased by 2%, to 1.519 million square meters. m (including the retail area of ​ ​ the hypermarket chain - by 1.6%, supermarkets - by 6.5%). Within a year, the retailer opened six hypermarkets (and closed one) and 14 supermarkets (six closed).

According to Lenta CEO Vladimir Sorokin, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic affected the behavior of customers: most of them preferred to visit stores less often, and the main driver of growth was an increase in the average check (by 11.6%, to 1115 rubles). In 2020, the average check in Lenta hypermarkets amounted to 1238 rubles (+ 11.6% by 2019), in supermarkets - 549 rubles (+ 12.8%). At the same time, the number of checks in Lenta outlets combined decreased by 3.9%, to 392 million.

Under these conditions, hypermarket indicators showed steady dynamics due to a competitive assortment of goods, attractive prices and concern for safe shopping conditions, says Vladimir Sorokin. Sales in December were at traditionally high levels, he said, thanks to customers buying from our stores ahead of the lengthy January holidays many spent at home.^[9]

Opening a store in the village of Trekhgorka, Moscow Region

On December 28, 2020, Lenta announced the opening of the next supermarket in Moscow and the village of Trekhgorka, Moscow Region.

The store opened in Moscow at ul. Young Lenintsev, 52 in TK "Height." The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,094sqm, of which 716sqm occupies the retail space. The trading floor has 6 cash registers. For the convenience of buyers, parking for 30 cars is equipped. The supermarket is in a rented space. The store is open from 08.00 to 23.00, seven days a week.

Another supermarket opened in the village of Trekhgorka, Odintsovo District, Moscow Region, at ul. Trekhgornaya, house 6. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,968 sq.m, of which 1,197 sq.m occupies the retail space. The trading floor has 10 cash registers. For the convenience of buyers, parking for 300 cars is equipped. The supermarket is in a rented space. The store will operate 24/7.

The assortment of supermarkets is formed taking into account the needs of residents of Moscow and Trekhgorka and includes 8,000 and 11,600 items of goods, respectively. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers will be offered products from local manufacturers.

With the opening of these stores, the company increased the chain to 254 hypermarkets in 89 cities Russia and 142 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg Siberia, Uralsk and the Central regions.

Opening of the tenth supermarket in the Leningrad region

On December 14, 2020, Lenta announced the opening of the next supermarket in Kirishi, Leningrad Region.

This store opened at ul. Heroes, 33. The total area of ​ ​ the hypermarket is 1,367 square meters, of which 943 square meters occupies trade space. The trading floor has 7 cash registers. For the convenience of buyers, parking for 200 cars is equipped. The supermarket is in a rented space.

The store is open from 08.00 to 23.00, seven days a week. The supermarket assortment is formed taking into account the needs of residents of the city and as of December 2020 includes 10,700 items of goods. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers.

Lenta has taken comprehensive measures to create a safe environment in stores for customers and employees of the company in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. All Lenta stores are equipped with hand disinfection stations, protective screens at cash registers and in areas of their own production to reduce health risks. Staff work in high-quality respirators and gloves and undergo a daily body temperature control procedure. All equipment and premises of stores are treated with disinfectants several times a day.

The store became the tenth supermarket opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of the store, the company increased the chain to 253 hypermarkets in 88 cities Russia and 140 supermarkets in,, To Moscow St. Petersburg Siberia, Uralsk and the Central regions.

Opening of a hypermarket in Perm on Gagarin Boulevard

On November 26, 2020, Lenta announced the opening of a hypermarket in Perm.

This store opened at 65 Gagarin Boulevard. The total area of ​ ​ the hypermarket is 12,609 square meters, of which 5,401 square meters occupies trade space. The trading floor has 27 cash registers, including 10 self-service cash desks. The hypermarket is owned by the company.

The store operates 24/7. The hypermarket assortment is formed taking into account the needs of Perm residents and includes 17,000 items of goods as of November 2020. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers.

The new store became the fifth hypermarket opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of this store, the company increased the chain to 253 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 139 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Opening of a supermarket in Moscow on Engineering Street

On November 25, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, announced the opening of the next supermarket in Moscow.

The store opened at Moscow, st. Engineering, 1. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,091sqm, of which 654sqm occupies trade space. The trading floor has 6 cash registers. The store is open from 8.00 to 23.00 seven days a week. The supermarket is open as part of a long-term partnership with ADG Group.

The supermarket assortment is formed Moscow taking into account the needs of residents and includes 7,900 items of goods as of November 2020. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers. The supermarket is in a rented space.

Lenta has taken comprehensive measures to create a safe environment in stores for customers and employees of the company in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. All Lenta stores are equipped with hand disinfection stations, protective screens at cash registers and in areas of their own production to reduce health risks. Staff work in high-quality respirators and gloves and undergo a daily body temperature control procedure. All equipment and premises of stores are treated with disinfectants several times a day.

This store became the ninth supermarket opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of stores in Moscow, the company increased the chain to 252 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 139 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Opening of a hypermarket in Mytishchi on Dmitrovskoye highway

On November 13, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, announced the opening of the next hypermarket in the Moscow region.

This store opened at the address of Mytishchi Dmitrovskoye sh., 10. The total area of ​ ​ the hypermarket is 11,135 square meters, of which 5,163 square meters occupies trade space. The trading floor has 27 cash registers, including 10 self-service cash desks. The hypermarket is owned by the company.

The store operates 24/7. The hypermarket assortment is formed taking into account the needs of residents of the Moscow region and includes 17,000 items of goods as of November 2020. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers.

This store became the third hypermarket opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of the store, the company increased the chain to 251 hypermarkets in 88 cities Russia and 138 supermarkets in, To Moscow St. Petersburg Siberia, Uralsk and the Central regions.

Results of a charity event in support of the Russian Red Cross

On October 28, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, summed up the results of a charity event in support of the Russian Red Cross.

In July 2020, the company transferred to organizations more than 12 million rubles received from the sale of goods of its own trademark "Lenta." Read more here.

Opening of two stores in Moscow

On October 27, 2020, Lenta announced the opening of two additional supermarkets in Moscow.

The first store opened at ul. Belomorskaya, 16A. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,139sqm, of which 585sqm occupies the retail space. The trading floor has 6 cash registers. For the convenience of buyers, the hypermarket is equipped with parking for 15 cars. The store is open from 08.00 to 23.00 seven days a week.

The second store is located at ul. Zoe and Alexandra Kosmodemyanskikh, 23. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,162sqm, of which 629sqm occupies the retail space. The trading floor has 6 cash registers. The store is open from 08.00 to 23.00 seven days a week.

Supermarkets are open in rented premises as part of a long-term agreement with ADG Group.

The assortment of supermarkets is formed taking into account the needs of Moscow residents and includes 7,500 and 8,000 items of goods, respectively. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers.

Lenta reconstructed the premises, organizing the retail space in the most convenient way for various categories of buyers. The location of the sections of both stores emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as products for a healthy diet. Retail equipment allows you to improve the convenience of shopping and provides a good presentation of food.

These stores became the ninth and tenth supermarkets opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of stores in Moscow, the company increased the chain to 250 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 138 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Collection of 87 tons of batteries for processing

On October 14, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, and Duracell completed the environmental campaign Battery Collection Week. In 2020, its participants handed over three times more elements for processing than in 2019 - 87 tons.

The environmental action started in May 2020, it took place in 40 cities. In each of them, the organizers installed special containers in parking lots near Lenta stores: within a week, customers could hand over used batteries and batteries, which were subsequently sent for recycling and safe disposal. Power elements are processed without harm to the environment at partner factories: Megapolisresurs Group of Megapolisresource in Chelyabinsk and NEC in Yaroslavl. On the first after processing, iron, zinc and manganese dioxide are obtained, on the second - iron, zinc and zinc phosphate. All materials will be reused.

To transport such a volume, you need to use three dump trucks with a lifting capacity of 30 tons. The "Battery Collection Week" was joined by eco-activists who pre-assembled the cells. The family of caring residents of Ivanov handed over more than 3 tons.

In 2020, we expanded the geography of the "Battery Collection Week" campaign and are very pleased with the results: 87 tons of cells did not become dangerous waste, but were processed into raw materials for further use. Together with our customers, we have made a significant contribution to protecting the environment and solving the problem of reducing waste and returning it to circulation, "said Maria Filippova, director of public relations at Lenta.

Residents of Novosibirsk handed over the most batteries - 15.5 tons, followed by the Ural cities: Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk and Perm with 10, 8 and 7 tons, respectively. In fifth place is Nizhny Novgorod, in which almost six tons were collected.

We are pleased with the results of the action and see how the environmental awareness of the population is growing every year. We strive to create in Russia a slender and comprehensive infrastructure for collecting batteries in the entrances of residential buildings so that all used batteries are immediately sent for recycling, and the need for the action has disappeared altogether, "added Yuri Korotaev, General Director of Durasell Rush.

22.3 tons of batteries will be sent to the NEK plant for processing, and 64,806 kilograms will be sent to the Megapolisresource plant.

I am pleasantly surprised that in a special 2020, between zoom, masks and a general passion for virology, the inhabitants of Russia voted more than three million times for ecology. 87 tons of batteries is almost three and a half million. Therefore, we collected not just batteries, but three and a half million votes for conscious consumption. This is three times more than in 2019! This means that our projects are needed and important for people, - added Vladimir Matsyuk, General Director of Megapolisresource

Pineapple Cleaning Machine Testing

Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, on October 8, 2020 announced the testing of pineapple cleaning equipment on the trading floor.

A visitor to the store needs to transfer the selected tropical fruit to a merchandiser who places the goods in a special device installed in the fresh vegetables and fruits department. The cleaning process takes 20 seconds, after which the buyer receives the product in a special container with a label. The service is free of charge.

Lenta will test the technology in pilot mode in two stores in St. Petersburg. This will take about two months, after which the company will decide on the feasibility of scaling the project.

{{quote 'We constantly introduce a special assortment, the best world practices, offer various services to differ from competitors. The PinaBar pineapple cleaning machine has become another project to improve the level of service that we offer to our customers, "said Evgeny Semenov, Lenta category management manager. }}

Opening of two hypermarkets in St. Petersburg

On September 23, 2020, Lenta announced the opening of two additional hypermarkets in St. Petersburg.

The first store opened at 10 Kollontai Street. The total area of ​ ​ the hypermarket is 7,140 square meters, of which 4,295 square meters occupies trade space. The trading floor has 21 cash registers, including 10 self-service cash desks. For the convenience of buyers, the hypermarket is equipped with parking for 161 cars.

The second store is located at 32 Kolpinskoye Shosse. The total area of ​ ​ the hypermarket is 7,854 square meters, of which 4,099 square meters occupies trade space. For the convenience of visitors, parking for 200 cars is equipped, 21 cash registers are installed in the trading floor, including 10 self-service ticket offices.

Both stores operate around the clock seven days a week. Hypermarkets are open in rented premises previously owned by SPAR.

The range of hypermarkets is formed taking into account the needs of residents of St. Petersburg and as of September 2020 includes 11,000 items of goods. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers.

Lenta reconstructed the premises, organizing the retail space in the most convenient way for various categories of buyers. The location of the sections of both stores emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as products for a healthy diet. Updated retail equipment allows you to improve the convenience of shopping and provide an excellent food presentation.

Lenta has taken comprehensive measures to create a safe environment in stores for customers and employees of the company in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. All Lenta stores are equipped with hand disinfection stations, protective screens at cash registers and in areas of their own production to reduce health risks. Staff work in respirators and gloves and undergo a daily body temperature control procedure. All equipment and premises of stores are treated with disinfectants several times a day.

Open stores became the first and second hypermarkets opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of stores in St. Petersburg, the company increased the chain to 250 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 135 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Appointment of Vladimir Sorokin as CEO of Lenta

On September 3, 2020, Vladimir Sorokin took over as CEO of the Lenta retail chain. In this post, as well as on the Board of Directors of the company, he replaced German Tingu, who will continue to work with Lenta as a consultant. Read more here.

Opening of two supermarkets in Moscow and Tikhvin

On August 19, 2020, the Lenta retail chain announced the opening of two supermarkets in Moscow and Tikhvin (Leningrad Region).

The first store opened at 17 Kazansky Boulevard, Moscow. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,188sqm, of which 678sqm occupies the retail space. The trading floor has 6 cash registers. The store is open from 8.00 to 23.00 seven days a week. The supermarket is open as part of a long-term partnership with ADG Group.

The second store is located at Tikhvin, st. Karl Marx, 50B. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,760sqm, of which 1,136sqm occupies the retail space. For the convenience of visitors, parking for 150 cars is equipped, 11 cash registers are installed in the trading floor. The store is open from 8.00 to 23.00 seven days a week. The supermarket is open in a space formerly owned by SPAR.

The assortment of supermarkets is formed taking into account the needs of residents of Moscow and Tikhvin and includes 7,700 and 12,000 items of goods. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers. Supermarkets are in rented premises.

Lenta reconstructed the premises, organizing a retail space for various categories of buyers. The location of the sections of both stores emphasizes fresh fruits and berries, as well as products for a healthy diet..

Lenta has also taken comprehensive measures to create a safe environment in stores for customers and employees of the company in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. All Lenta stores are equipped with hand disinfection stations, protective screens at cash registers and in areas of their own production to reduce health risks. Staff work in high-quality respirators and gloves and undergo a daily body temperature control procedure. All equipment and premises of stores are treated with disinfectants several times a day.

Lenta intends to expand its supermarket chain. In 2019, the company's Board of Directors approved capital investments in the amount of 1.9 trillion rubles for the opening of 19 supermarkets in Moscow in 2020-2021 with a total trading area of ​ ​ approximately 24 thousand sq.m. under a contract with ADG group. The company also leased twelve premises previously occupied by SPAR stores in St. Petersburg, which are located in favorable areas of the city and comply with Lenta standards, company representatives said.

The presented stores became the sixth and seventh supermarkets opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of stores in St. Petersburg, the company increased the chain to 248 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 138 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Opening of the fifth supermarket in St. Petersburg

On August 12, 2020, Lenta announced the opening of the next supermarket in St. Petersburg.

The store opened in the address Kolpino, st. Proletarskaya, 36, lit. A. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,579 square meters, of which 985 square meters occupies trade space. For the convenience of visitors, parking for 150 cars is equipped, 8 cash registers are installed in the trading floor. The store is open from 8.00 to 23.00, seven days a week.

The supermarket assortment is formed taking into account the needs of residents of St. Petersburg and as of August 2020 includes 10,000 items of goods. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers. The supermarket is in a rented space.

The outdoor supermarket is one of twelve stores formerly owned by SPAR. Lenta reconstructed the premises, organizing the retail space in the most convenient way for various categories of buyers. The location of the sections of the store focuses on fresh fruits and berries, as well as products for healthy eating. Retail equipment allows you to improve the convenience of shopping and provide an excellent presentation of food.

Lenta has taken comprehensive measures to create a safe environment in stores for customers and employees of the company in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. All Lenta stores are equipped with hand disinfection stations, protective screens at cash registers and in areas of their own production to reduce health risks. Staff work in high-quality respirators and gloves and undergo a daily body temperature control procedure. All equipment and premises of stores are treated with disinfectants several times a day.

The store became the fifth supermarket opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of the store in St. Petersburg, the company increased the chain to 248 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 136 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Start selling tomatoes with dispensers

On July 24, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, told TAdviser about the installation of a device for selling cherry tomatoes in the store.

The first dispenser for the sale of cherry tomatoes appeared in a hypermarket in the Moscow microdistrict Butovo. Here are red and yellow tomatoes. With the help of a dispenser, buyers can pour the required amount of vegetables into cups, reusable bags or any other own container. Tomato production is located in Lipetsk, their cost in the retail chain as of July 24, 2020 is from 240 rubles per kilogram.

Cherry tomatoes are growing in popularity, so we offer customers various formats, for example, sales in dispensers, thanks to which you can buy more vegetables than in standard packaging. Abandoning it has a positive effect on the environment, "said Oleg Gorin, Lenta category management manager.

The company plans to install dispensers in other stores. Earlier in the Moscow microdistrict Butovo "Lenta" launched a pilot project "Farm for growing greens in a hypermarket": each buyer can purchase salads in a cut form and in pots.

The start of sales of vegetable meat in stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg

On July 21, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains, Russia announced vegetable meat the launch of sales from the manufacturer from. USA

Plant-based meat of the Beyond Meat brand has appeared in Lenta stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The network presents cutlets for burgers weighing 227 grams worth 999 rubles and 450-gram packages of minced meat for 1499 rubles.

Products for a healthy lifestyle are becoming more and more popular, so we offer customers additional types of products of famous brands. In the event of an increase in consumer interest in these products, we will expand the assortment and increase the number of cities where we will sell vegetable meat, "said Yegor Khodyrev, commercial director of Lenta's gastronomic goods service.

Redomilation from Cyprus to October Island

Shareholders of Lenta, one of the largest Russian retailers, approved the redomicitation of the retailer from Cyprus to a special administrative district on Oktyabrsky Island in the Kaliningrad Region. The decision was made at an extraordinary meeting, which took place on July 22, 2020.

"All decisions that were proposed for consideration by an extraordinary meeting of shareholders were adopted by the required majority of shareholders," the statement said.

Opening of a supermarket in St. Petersburg on Balkan Square

On July 14, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, announced the opening of a supermarket in St. Petersburg.

The store opened at 5 Balkan Square. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,756sqm, of which 1,157sqm occupies the retail space. For the convenience of visitors, parking for 150 cars is equipped, 8 cash registers are installed in the trading floor. The store is open from 8.00 to 23.00, seven days a week.

The assortment of the supermarket is formed taking into account the needs of residents of St. Petersburg and includes 10,000 items of goods. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers. The supermarket is in a rented space.

The supermarket is one of twelve stores previously owned. SPAR Lenta reconstructed the premises, organizing the retail space in the most convenient way for various categories of buyers. The location of the sections of the store focuses on fresh fruits and berries, as well as products for healthy eating. Retail equipment allows you to improve the convenience of shopping and provide an excellent presentation of food.

Lenta has taken comprehensive measures to create a safe environment in stores for customers and employees of the company in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. All Lenta stores are equipped with hand disinfection stations, protective screens at cash registers and in areas of their own production to reduce health risks. Staff work in respirators and gloves and undergo a daily body temperature control procedure. All equipment and premises of stores are treated with disinfectants several times a day.

This store became the fourth supermarket opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of the store in St. Petersburg, the company increased the chain to 248 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 135 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Transfer of 12.5 million rubles to the account of the charitable organization "Russian Red Cross"

On July 13, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, announced the transfer to the charity's account of 12.5 million rubles received from the sale of its own brand goods.

Lenta summed up the results of the action "In support of the Russian Red Cross," which took place from June 1 to 30 in all regions of its presence. It was attended by all buyers who purchased goods of their own brand "Lenta." The company will transfer one ruble from every 100 rubles received from store visitors. The total amount amounted to 12.5 million rubles, on which the Russian Red Cross will purchase personal protective equipment for medical workers and tests to identify coronavirus infection.

{{quote 'We are glad that our buyers have contributed to the fight against coronavirus infection in this way. For our part, we helped medical workers by providing them with special discounts, provided staff of St. Petersburg hospitals with hot meals and continue to do everything possible so that millions of people can safely shop in our stores, "said Lenta CEO German Tinga. }}

We express our gratitude to Lenta for organizing such an action and of course appreciate each buyer who took part in it. Despite the general improvement of the situation and the gradual lifting of restrictions, the situation with COVID-19 remains tense, especially in the regions. It is very important that both people and companies continue to help us in the implementation of the humanitarian mission, "added Raisa Lukuttsova, chairman of the Russian Red Cross.

Opening of the third supermarket in St. Petersburg

On June 29, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains in Russia, announced the opening of a supermarket in St. Petersburg.

The store opened at 54 Krasnoselskoye Shosse. The total area of ​ ​ the supermarket is 1,145sqm, of which 679sqm occupies the retail space. For the convenience of visitors, parking for 30 cars is equipped, 6 cash registers are installed in the trading floor. The store is open from 8.00 to 23.00, seven days a week.

The assortment of the supermarket is formed taking into account the needs of residents of St. Petersburg and includes 8,000 items of goods. Along with products of the federal assortment and goods under their own trademarks, buyers are offered products from local manufacturers. The supermarket is in a rented space.

This supermarket is one of twelve stores previously owned by SPAR. Lenta reconstructed the premises, organizing the retail space in the most convenient way for various categories of buyers. The location of the sections of the store focuses on fresh fruits and berries, as well as products for healthy eating. Retail equipment allows you to improve the convenience of shopping and provide an excellent presentation of food.

Lenta has taken comprehensive measures to create a safe environment in stores for customers and employees of the company in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. All Lenta stores are equipped with hand disinfection stations, protective screens at cash registers and in areas of their own production to reduce health risks. Staff work in respirators and gloves and undergo a daily body temperature control procedure. All equipment and premises of stores are treated with disinfectants several times a day.

The open store became the third supermarket opened by Lenta in 2020. With the opening of the store in St. Petersburg, the company increased the chain to 248 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia and 134 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions.

Launch of the service of ordering and pickup of goods from hypermarkets in seven more cities

On June 23, 2020, Lenta, one of the retail chains, Russia launched Click & collect technology in stores,, Arkhangelsk,, Astrakhan, and Veliky Novgorod. Novorossiysk Petrozavodsk Stavropol Taganrog

Residents of seven cities in which Lenta has launched its own project in the field e-commerce can order goods on the Lenta.com website and pick up the collected order in the stores of the retail chain. Customers gained access to 80 percent of the range of goods, including alcoholic beverages, at an identical cost to the store. To place an order, you need login to in your personal account. All promotional offers and bonus programs are valid. You can pay for the order at a specially allocated cash desk upon receipt. The assembly of goods is carried out by store employees.

The launch of Lenta's own project as a pilot took place in early June in Vyborg and Pskov. The first customer to use the service purchased a bicycle, which he later picked up from a store in Vyborg.

Director of the digital marketing service "Lenta" Alexey Ruchkin commented:

We expand the geography of our project and go with it to other cities. Thanks to this, we will be able to understand how correctly the model we chose is built. This will allow us to build a competent scheme of work and eventually launch the project in all cities of the company's presence.

Supply of protective equipment for clinics in St. Petersburg

On May 20, 2020, it became known that Severgroup, a large investment company engaged in asset management activities in the interests of Alexei Mordashov, supports doctors in St. Petersburg who receive and treat patients with COVID-19 every day. Representatives of Ava-Peter and Lenta are engaged in the supply of protective equipment and work with the city administration. Read more here.

As part of the initiative, Lenta carried out an operational search for manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality respirators in China with the help of one of the global suppliers of non-food products Li & Fung. The company entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Li & Fung in late 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, the Chinese partner searches for manufacturers and places orders for products that meet Lenta's requirements and all quality and safety standards established by Russian law.

Magnit and Lenta apply markings in stores to protect against coronavirus

On March 25, 2020, it became known that Russian retailers began to apply markings in stores to maintain the distance between customers. Read more here.

Start installing protective screens on the cash registers and information racks

On March 19, 2020, Lenta announced the start of installation in hypermarkets and supermarkets of protective screens at cash desks and information desks.

Transparent plastic screens are one of the measures to prevent the spread of viral diseases. Installation in all 249 hypermarkets of the chain will be completed this week, in 131 supermarkets - until the end of March.

In addition, signal stickers will appear on the floor next to the ticket offices, warning buyers about the need to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters from each other.

The health and safety of Lenta's employees and customers is a key priority for us. For our customers who want to limit body contact, we recommend using self-shopping scanners and self-service checkouts, and advise you to pay with bank cards, commented on Lenta CEO Herman Tinga

Installation of disinfectants in all stores of the network

On March 17, 2020, Lenta, one of the largest retail chains in Russia, announced the installation of hand sanitizers in all supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Hand sanitizers, which can be used by Lenta customers, are located near the entrances to the chain's stores. Posters with instructions are posted next to them. Capacities appeared in all 249 hypermarkets and in 131 supermarkets in 88 cities of the country.

In addition, for preventive purposes, the operating mode of ventilation systems has been changed, the frequency of disinfection of production, sanitary and household premises trade and halls, all surfaces, trolleys and payment terminals has increased.

Employees of cleaning companies working in the premises of Lenta received training in the sanitary and hygienic program. The staff of the retail network can also use disinfectants, which were additionally installed in the production premises and in the company's office.

Before starting each shift, the body temperature of the workers is measured. People with symptoms of colds are not allowed to perform duties.

Growing greens in the hypermarket of Novosibirsk

On March 13, 2020, Tape"" announced the start of growing greens in the hypermarket. Novosibirsk This is the second city where the project started.

Greens grown in Novosibirsk are supplied directly from the greenhouse to the store, where they are placed for further growth on a specially equipped farm with artificial lighting. The range includes seven items not previously available in the chain's stores, including cale, chard, pakcha, Friese and Romano salads.

A special module with a nutrient mixture appeared here, where there will be greens and grow right on the trading floor. It is sold in pots. Every customer can get a merchandiser consultation.

Lenta launched the pilot project "Farm for Growing Greens in a Hypermarket" at the end of 2019 in a hypermarket in the Moscow microdistrict of Butovo.

{{quote 'author = commented, Lenta category management manager Oleg Gorin' We are seeing an increase in demand for healthy lifestyle products, so we are expanding our range to meet the needs of modern buyers. We see that the project is interesting, so we decided to launch it in Novosibirsk, }}

2019

Revenue growth by 1.0% to RUB 417.5 billion

On February 25, 2020, Lenta PelSi reported consolidated financial results for the IFRS year ended December 31, 2019.

Revenue increased 1.0% to RUB 417.5 billion (2018: RUB 413.6 billion), while retail revenue increased 4.0% to RUB 408.0 billion (2018: RUB 392.2 billion) and wholesale revenue decreased 55.5%;

Gross margin rose to 22.0% (+ 0.5 pp vs 2018) on the back of a positive impact from the declining share of the low-margin wholesale business in revenue and a slight increase in retail margin;

Commercial, general and administrative expenses increased to 18.3% of revenue (+ 1.6 pp compared to 2018) on the back of the combined effect of the increase in personnel costs, higher depreciation expenses due to changes in useful life for improvement facilities and an increase in rental costs due to the indexation of rental rates;

Adjusted EBITDA amounted to 34.0 billion rubles, down 6.2% (2018: 36.2 billion), profitability - 8.1% (2018: 8.8%);

Non-cash expenses in the amount of about 14.1 billion rubles, including impairment of assets in the amount of 11.8 billion rubles and depreciation expenses due to changes in useful life for improvement facilities in the amount of about 2.3 billion rubles;

Net interest expense increased by 1.9% to RUB 9.3 billion compared to 2018 (RUB 9.1 billion), as an increase in total debt offset a decrease in the average cost of debt;

Net loss against the background of non-cash expenses amounted to 2.1 billion rubles with negative profitability of 0.5% compared to net profit of 11.7 billion rubles and profitability of 2.9% in 2018;

Net cash from operating activities before interest and income tax amounted to 42.8 billion rubles, compared to 32.4 billion rubles in 2018 (+ 32.1%), which is mainly due to changes in working capital;

Capital investments amounted to RUB 14.1 billion, a decrease of 36.1% compared to 2018 (RUB 22.1 billion), mainly due to a decrease in the rate of network development compared to the previous year, strict cost control and changes in the order of payments for some projects not related to network development;

The Company generated a positive free cash flow of RUB 17.0 billion in 2019;

Net debt as of December 31, 2019 amounted to 77.1 billion rubles against 93.3 billion rubles at the end of 2018 and 99.3 billion rubles as of June 30, 2019;

Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA was 2.3x versus 2.6x at December 31, 2018 and 2.7x at June 30, 2019.

In 2019, a total of 8 hypermarkets and 3 supermarkets, 3 hypermarkets and 7 supermarkets were closed during the same period;

The total number of Lenta stores as at 31 December 2019 was 380, including 249 hypermarkets and 131 supermarkets with a total sales area of 1,489,497 sq.m. (+ 1.5% vs 31 December 2018);

Lenta changed its approach to recognizing wholesale and retail revenue and revised these figures for Q4 and 2018 and Q4 and 2019. The revision did not affect the growth of the Company's total revenue;

Comparable ("LFL") 2 retail sales increased by 0.1% excluding VAT. This is equivalent to a 0.9% increase in retail sales with VAT on the back of a tax rate increase from 1 January 2019;

LFL average check increased by 0.1%, LFL traffic remained unchanged in 2019;

The number of active Lenta 3 loyalty cardholders as of 31 December 2019 increased by 10.1% yoy to 15.8 million;

Lenta opened a distribution center in Moscow with a total area of ​ ​ 70,990 sq.m. and increased the warehouse area in Novosibirsk to 71,837 sq.m. Both sites contain functions that should help optimize procurement and logistics at the company, as well as support the centralization and further development of Lenta's iconic product categories.

Lenta expects an increase in sales space of about 3% in 2020. This figure reflects the company's decision to focus on improving store performance and operational efficiency. However, Lenta will continue to find attractive opportunities for growth and development in existing and new formats, as well as further development in online format.

In 2020, Lenta will continue to work on optimizing its business, general and administrative expenses. The Company expects 2020 EBITDA margin to be higher than 2019 as a result of its 2020 priorities.

Lenta plans to invest about 4% of revenue in capital expenditures in 2020. This includes a lower level of investment in organic growth and logistics infrastructure compared to 2019. At the same time, Lenta will increase the costs of IT, digital marketing and other projects aimed at improving the purchasing experience in stores and subsequent growth in operating efficiency.

The plan for development and capital expenditures, as well as subsequent work on optimizing operating funds, will generate a positive balance of free funds in 2020.

Transfer of more than 92 tons of batteries for disposal

On March 2, 2020, Lenta announced the transfer of more than 92 tons of batteries for disposal, which were handed over by buyers in all cities of the company's presence in 2019.

Lenta, together with Duracell, installed special containers for collecting batteries in 2017 in St. Petersburg. Then 10 tons of used cells were collected. As of March 2, 2020, 248 containers were installed in all 88 cities of Lenta's presence. Batteries handed over in the northern capital are sent for disposal to the Mercury environmental enterprise, in other cities - to the Megapolisresource processing and disposal plant in Chelyabinsk.

In 2019, buyers of the retail chain handed over 92.6 tons of cells, which is three times more than in 2018, when 28.6 tons were collected. Residents of St. Petersburg participated most actively in the project, they account for almost 15 percent of the total number of batteries handed over. More than six tons were handed over by buyers from Chelyabinsk, half as much - from Yekaterinburg, 2.8 tons - Novosibirsk, 2.5 tons - Moscow, 2.1 tons - residents of Tomsk.

According to environmentalists, one battery poisons 20 square meters of land with heavy metals. If its average weight is 20 grams, Lenta buyers handed over about 4.6 million pieces in 2019 and saved more than 9.2 thousand hectares of soil from pollution.

Every year, more and more of our customers pay attention to the issues of reducing the negative impact on the environment. Lenta was one of the first to install special containers for collecting batteries, and we see that the demand for this service is constantly increasing. It is important for us to support the desire of our customers to improve the environmental situation in the cities where we live and work, so we carefully study the feedback and try to implement various projects in this area, commented by Director of Public Relations and Public Authorities of Lenta Filippova Maria

Launch of the pilot "Farm for growing greens in a hypermarket"

On December 30, 2019, Lenta announced to Zdrav.Expert the launch of the Hypermarket Greenery Farm pilot project.

Greens grown on a city farm in Bryansk are supplied directly from the greenhouse to the store, where they are placed for its further growth on a specially equipped farm with artificial lighting. The range at the end of December 2019 includes more than 10 items not previously available in the chain's stores, including keil, sorrel, mizuna, pakcha, Roxai and Romano salads.

Customers can get advice from a merchandiser who will tell you which greens are suitable for a particular dish. Goods can be purchased both in pots and cut, as well as form a salad mix, the cost of a unit is from 19 to 29 rubles. The project is being implemented in a hypermarket in the Moscow microdistrict of Butovo.

{{quote 'author = commented on Lenta category management manager Evgeny Semenov' Our customers know that they can always buy the latest products from Lenta. There is a tendency to move from mass to conscious consumption, the demand for healthy lifestyle products is growing, so we are expanding our assortment, which will satisfy the needs of the modern buyer, }}

Threat of food poisoning. The network is required to $0.5 million in bitcoins

On August 13, 2019, it became known that Lenta received threats of product poisoning in hypermarkets. Blackmailers demand from the retailer $500 thousand in bitcoins.

According to Fontanka, a video message with a threat was received by e-mail from the Lenta call center on August 12, 2019. Anonymous attached an email address to which they offered to transfer money, otherwise they threaten to poison products sold in the chain's stores. The company does not intend to comply with the requirements.

We received a video with threats from unknown persons who demanded a certain amount of money from us, threatening to otherwise poison the goods. Now we have contacted the police, - said RBC in the press service of Lenta.

The police, in turn, opened a criminal case under Article 207 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (deliberately false reporting of an act of terrorism at a social infrastructure facility). The press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region reported that they had received an appeal from a commercial structure and had already begun an investigation.

According to Lenta, it is difficult to fully check goods in the retail chain, since the company has more than 3.5 thousand suppliers and 380 stores throughout Russia.^[10]

This is not the first attempt to blackmail a major retail chain. At the end of 2005, in St. Petersburg, unknown persons demanded $200 thousand from the management of the Maksidom supermarket chain, and after the refusal they sprayed mercaptan gas in one of the chain's stores, as a result of which more than 70 people were injured. Law enforcement agencies then considered the incident hooliganism.

Cases of intentional damage to products have previously occurred abroad. So, at the end of 2018, the police of the Australian state of Queensland detained a woman who stuck sewing needles in strawberries supplied to stores throughout the country.

249 hypermarkets in 88 cities of Russia

For 2019:

• Lenta managed 249 hypermarkets in 88 Russian cities and 131 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Ural and Central regions with a total sales area of ​ ​ 1,493,663 sq.m.
• The average retail space of one Lenta hypermarket was about 5,500 square meters, the average supermarket area was 800 square meters.
• The company operated twelve distribution centers.

The company developed several formats of hypermarkets with low prices, which differ in marketing and pricing policies, as well as an assortment of goods from local manufacturers. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had a workforce of approximately 50,509.

Severgroup brought its stake in Lenta to 78.73%

On June 4, 2019, it became known that LLC Severgroup"" Alexey Mordashov following an offer for the purchase of minority shareholders of the Lenta trading network received 78.73% in. retailer

Until 13:00 (London time) on June 4, 2019, Severgroup received valid acceptances as part of an offer in relation to Lenta Ltd securities, which, together with other Lenta Ltd securities owned by Severgroup (including GDRs for Lenta shares acquired TPG from and), EBRD together represent approximately 78.73% of voting rights in Lenta, Severgroup said in a statement.

In early April, Alexey Mordashov's company signed agreements with Luna Inc. (controlled by the American TPG Group) and the EBRD to purchase about 41.9% of Lenta's shares. In total, the deal cost $729 million. Russian Freedom Finance Georgy Vashchenko, head of the stock market operations department at IK, said that Severgroup would like to gain control at Lenta, so it can redeem additional shares as part of the offer. By mid-May, Severgroup's share in Lenta exceeded 50%.^[11]

2017:271 stores in 79 cities

For 2017, in the assets of the company:

• 271 stores in 79 cities
• 7 own distribution centers
• 1.2 million square meters of retail space

2015: Retail chain No. 5 by revenue in Russia

Lenta is the first hypermarket chain in Russia in terms of retail space and the fifth largest retail chain in the country in terms of revenue in 2015. The company was founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg. Lenta operates 142 hypermarkets in 70 cities across Russia and 38 supermarkets in Moscow and St. Petersburg with a total sales area of about 896,068 sq.m. The average retail space of one Lenta hypermarket is about 6,100 square meters, the average supermarket area is 1,000 square meters. The company operates six of its own distribution centers for hypermarkets. The company develops several formats of hypermarkets with low prices, which differ in marketing and pricing policies, as well as an assortment of goods from local manufacturers. As of December 31, 2015, the Company's workforce was approximately 38,414.

2011: Meyer sells his package

In 2011, August Meyer, teaming up with three minority shareholders - Dmitry Kostygin, Sergei Yushchenko and Gleb Ognyannikov, sold 44% of the network for $1.14 billion.

2010

37 hypermarkets in 18 cities with revenue of 55 billion rubles

In 2010, the company had 37 hypermarkets in 18 cities, which in 2009 provided 55 billion rubles in revenue.

The second conflict of the founders

Screams, broken glass doors, security guards get into a fight... This is not a showdown of the mid-1990s - the case takes place in St. Petersburg in September 2010. Two solid foreign companies, the main owners of the Lenta hypermarket chain, did not agree on corporate procedures, and now one group is storming the office to expel competitors from there.

The foreigner August Meyer (41% of the shares), his partner Dmitry Kostygin (1% of the shares) and now the former general director of the network Sergey Yushchenko play in defense. The attack includes Luna Holdings, which has a 30.7% stake in Lenta. It, in turn, belongs to the large American fund TPG and VTB Capital, a subsidiary of VTB. Luna has the support of a number of minority shareholders, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

On that September day, the victory remained with Luna Holdings - its private security company managed to seize Lenta's office, expel Yushchenko from there and put his man, Dutchman Jan Dunning, in the chair of the general director, under whose shoulders INSEAD, 10 years of work in the European network of discounters Aldi and five years of experience in Russia. After that battle, the war entered a "cold" phase: the parties filed numerous lawsuits against each other in Russia, London and the British Virgin Islands, where Lenta Ltd., the holding's parent company, was registered. The confrontation between the two groups of shareholders continues.

Meyer and Kostygin now say that they were victims of the "oligarchic fund." TPG Capital does manage a whopping $47 billion in capital. TPG's head office is located in Fort Worth, Texas, and the company's aggressive style has repeatedly given reason to recall the American saying "Do not mess with Texans." And although Time magazine called TPG founder David Bonderman and his partners "shameless predators," it is difficult to refuse success - restructuring problem companies that are not too interesting to other investors generates seven, or even ten times more invested funds.

However, the last thing any investment fund is interested in is a shareholder conflict. The task of investors is to increase the capitalization of the acquired company as quickly as possible. That is why the TPG in the conflict with Meyer is supported by a majority of shareholders, including the EBRD.

Due to the fact that the board of directors was paralyzed for more than six months, the chain opened only one store in 2010, for the first time in rented areas. Nevertheless, from January to October 2010, Lenta's sales increased by 22%, EBITDA - by 44%, and the debt burden was reduced by 40%. The business is developing, the value of the company is growing.

2009: Zherebtsov sold 35% of Lenta to TPG and VTB Capital

In October 2009, Zherebtsov sold 35% of Lenta to a consortium of TPG and VTB Capital investment funds for only $110 million, after paying all the debts he had only a quarter of this money. The deal was difficult, negotiations dragged on for several months - Zherebtsov and Meyer at that time no longer spoke to each other at all, and investors had to communicate with each separately. (Zherebtsov declined to be interviewed by Forbes for this article. "I don't do much business, I travel more, I go up to the mountains," said the founder of Lenta, who has managed to travel around the world on a yacht over the past three years and open 17 Norma stores.)

It would seem that Meyer received what he wanted: the American investment fund became a major shareholder of Lenta. However, in April 2010, relations between the new partners began to heat up. According to the terms of the October deal, Meyer bought a small part of Zherebtsov's stake from TPG, but he did not receive this share on time. In May, TPG and VTB Capital unexpectedly blocked Lenta from receiving a loan of €200 million.

"I believe they deliberately impede the work of Lenta," Meyer resents. "Why?" Ask them. " According to Meyer, who now spends most of his time in the Virgin Islands, where the courts are going, the new shareholders want full control over Lenta, although the agreement with them seems to say about joint management. "I only demand the execution of the agreements, and I will not stop, I will go and go forward like the Terminator," Meyer raises his voice

.

According to the mentioned shareholder agreement between Meyer and TPG, Meyer had the right to return to the place of general director Sergei Yushchenko, but only with the approval of the company's board of directors and only until August 31, 2010. At the end of May, the council took place, but representatives of the new owners left it ahead of schedule and did not sign the decision, which did not prevent Meyer and Kostygin from declaring the council valid and on this basis expel Jan Dunning from the Lenta office. Their triumph was short-lived.

2007: $2 billion valuation of the company

Before the 2008 crisis, Lenta's estimates exceeded $2 billion, and investors lined up to gain a stake in the company.

2006: First altercation

For the time being, the founder of Lenta, Zherebtsov, coped well with management. "He's a natural retailer," says one market participant. - Enters the store and immediately sees what needs to be done to increase sales: how the flow of visitors is going, where to change the lighting, where to put apples on the other side. But with corporate governance, he is not very. " Zherebtsov himself in an interview with Oleg Tinkov (for the program on the Russia.ru website) admitted: "We did not think that we would create and sell companies - we were going to have money from operating funds."

In 2006, Zherebtsov walked at Meyer's wedding, and a few months later the partners quarreled. Bored from routine business processes, Zherebtsov launched his personal project from scratch - the Norma chain of small stores, which, however, did not contradict the Lenta charter. Meyer didn't like it. In December 2006, instead of Zherebtsov, the retail chain was headed by Lenta financial director Sergei Yushchenko.

At that time, the company planned to issue additional shares and sell 15% on the stock exchange, but several large investment funds said at once that they were ready to buy a stake in a promising network without an IPO. Meyer warmly supported the idea of ​ ​ selling the package to Western funds, while Zherebtsov was against and offered to buy out the shares himself. "He feared that his share would be diluted and he would lose control on the board of directors," Kostygin said. Now Meyer and Kostygin have already refused: they believed that Zherebtsov simply did not have the funds necessary to buy out the package.

In May 2007, the EBRD acquired an 11% stake for $125 million.

And in January 2008, the conflict flared up on a new one. Immediately after the New Year holidays, Zherebtsov, who devoted more and more time to his favorite hobby - yachting - decided to intervene in the management of the network: he notified Sergei Yushchenko and several other Meyer associates by email that they were fired. Two boards of directors were urgently held - in different compositions; on one, Zherebtsov appointed his friend Vladimir Senkin as head of the company, on the other, Meyer retained his position for Yushchenko. Litigation began.

By April 2008, however, the conflict came to naught - the parties agreed to elect a compromise figure, Alexander Bobrov, development director in charge of the construction of new stores. The economy Russia was on the rise then, retail stocks were rising in value - it was foolish to argue when the chance presented itself to sell the business profitably. Meyer and Zherebtsov agreed to jointly cede their shares to one of the potential investors - the American network Wal-Mart, the French Carrefour, the Finnish Kesko and the Croatian Agrokor were eyeing Lenta. Buyers offered an incredible price for Lenta - estimates of $2 billion and more were discussed.

"We literally did not have a couple of months to close the deal," Kostygin is upset, who could help out over $20 million for his 1%. In the fall of 2008, a crisis struck, and negotiations stopped. Of all the co-owners of Lenta, Zherebtsov was in the worst position. The crisis found the businessman in the midst of a round-the-world regatta, which was unsuccessful for his yacht "Killer Whale": at three stages, Zherebtsov's team came last, and she was generally taken to the port of St. Petersburg in tow. The shares of the founder of Lenta were pledged to banks to finance the Norma personal project. The founder of Lenta had a tough choice - either to urgently find a buyer for shares, or they will go to banks^[12].

2001: Zherebtsov, Kostygin, Meyer

Founded "Lenta" St. Petersburg entrepreneur Oleg Zherebtsov, who has been engaged in trade since 1993. At first, he opened the small wholesale warehouses usual for that time, by the end of the 1990s he had acquired a supermarket, and in 2001 he decided to build a really large store, the first of its kind in the northern capital, but he did not have enough money for the project. A familiar entrepreneur Dmitry Kostygin then brought Zherebtsov to the recently arrived Russia from, USA August Meyer who readily acquired 49% of the company.

The new investor bought a stake in a very small business - analysts estimated Lenta at only $20-30 million, but the money he brought was enough for the completion of the hypermarket and for the purchase of plots for the opening of new outlets. Lenta began building on a hypermarket a year, and sometimes more. Moreover, Meyer was a convenient partner - the presence of a foreign shareholder helped to negotiate with Western banks and counterparties, and he did not intervene in operational management.

In Russia, Meyer was initially engaged in buying and renting communal apartments and even founded a small hotel chain called Rand House - in honor of the author of the bestseller Atlant Shrugged. Financial savings, however, allowed him to do something more ambitious. It was then that Kostygin arrived.

The decision to translate and publish Ayn Rand's book can be considered his most successful project. Although the novel did not bring money to Kostygin, thanks to him he met the millionaire Meyer. He was just looking for an opportunity to perpetuate the memory of a native of St. Petersburg, opening something like a house-museum, and at the American Ayn Rand Institute he was given contacts by Kostygin, a local fan. They immediately became friends, despite the age difference. Having brought the American together with Zherebtsov and organized the deal, Kostygin received, according to Forbes, a 5% stake in the network, which he subsequently partially sold, having raised about $20 million.

Meyer likes to repeat that he doesn't understand much about business and numbers. He invested money and for almost six years quietly watched his share rise in price, turning from tens of millions to dollars hundreds.

Notes