Lenta, one of the largest multi-format retail chains in Russia, has unveiled plans to acquire online-retailer Utkonos to create a leading e-grocery platform covering all key shopping missions and market segments.
The sale is structured as the purchase of the entire participation interest of LLC “Noviy Impuls-50” from Severgroup LLC. The base purchase price for the transaction is €240M. The acquisition of Utkonos will enable Lenta to significantly expand its online market share with an additional delivery platform featuring a loyal customer base, unique competencies and competitive advantages and the ability to compete in the Moscow online market more effectively, especially within the upper-middle and premium segments.
Utkonos is an online-only food retailer based in Moscow and is a pioneer of the e-grocery segment in Russia. In 2020, Utkonos’ share of the Moscow e-grocery market amounted to approximately 10 per cent. Outside Moscow and Moscow region, Utkonos also delivers orders in the cities of Kaluga, Tver, and Tula. Currently, Utkonos operates two wholly-owned warehouse dark stores totalling 80,000sq m and two rented dark stores totalling 21,000sq m, located in Moscow and Moscow region. The company utilises its own logistics and fulfilment infrastructure consisting of 920 vehicles.
