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Buying a business in Russia

For foreign buyers — increasingly from China, the UAE, Türkiye and India — acquiring a Russian business means clearing the Government Commission, a mandatory discount and an exit contribution before closing. We advise on the buy side end to end: feasibility, due diligence, structuring, approval and keeping the target operational afterwards.

Deal feasibility check →Restructuring & exit
The rules that shape every deal
Sub-Commission · +₽50bn presidential track

Government Commission approval

Deals involving a seller from an “unfriendly” jurisdiction need Sub-Commission approval; transactions above ₽50bn also require presidential consent.

≥ 60% of market value

Mandatory 60% discount

Assets from “unfriendly” sellers may be sold only at a discount of at least 60% of appraised market value.

35% · 25 / 5 / 5

35% exit contribution

A “voluntary contribution” to the federal budget of at least 35% of market value — paid 25% within a month, 5% within a year, 5% within two years.

Listed appraiser + SRO

Independent valuation

Market value is set by an appraiser from the Commission’s list and verified by an SRO; the Commission can adjust the price.

How we work — buy side
01
Feasibility

Will the deal clear the Commission, and on what terms? A short read on approval odds, the discount and exit-tax load, and the red flags in the target.

02
Due diligence

Financial, tax and legal review of the target — plus the sanctions exposure of its key counterparties — so you know what you are buying.

03
Structure & valuation

Deal structure (where the buyer sits, escrow, instalments) and coordination with a listed appraiser and SRO to support a defensible price.

04
Approval & closing

The Commission package, seeing it through to permission, closing, share-transfer registration and the exit-contribution schedule.

05
Post-deal

Re-papering banking, RAS accounting, payroll and HQS permits so the acquired entity keeps running from day one — where most of the value is preserved.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign company buy a Russian business in 2026?

Yes — buyers from “friendly” jurisdictions can. Deals involving a seller from an “unfriendly” country need Government Commission approval and are subject to a mandatory discount and an exit contribution. We advise on the buy side end to end.

What is the mandatory discount on Russian asset sales?

At least 60% of appraised market value for assets sold by sellers from “unfriendly” jurisdictions, based on a valuation by a Commission-listed appraiser and verified by a self-regulating organisation.

What is the exit tax when buying from an exiting foreign company?

A contribution to the federal budget of at least 35% of market value, paid in instalments — 25% within a month of closing, 5% within a year and 5% within two years. It is a condition of approval set by the Commission, not a statutory tax.

How long does Government Commission approval take?

It varies and is at the Commission’s discretion; large deals above ₽50bn additionally require presidential consent, for which there is no fixed procedure. We map the timeline and manage expectations before you commit.

Do you help after the deal closes?

Yes — re-papering banking, RAS accounting, payroll and HQS permits so the acquired entity stays operational. Post-deal support is where most of the deal value is preserved.

Considering a Russian acquisition?

A short feasibility call tells you whether the deal can clear the Commission and what it will cost — before you spend on diligence.

Get in touch →
Figures reflect the Government Commission regime as of early 2026 and change frequently; deals above ₽50bn require presidential consent. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice — we confirm the position for your specific transaction.
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