Fix Price co-founder Artem Khachaturyan has divested his stake in the company, selling it to his business partner Sergei Lomakin. The move, reported by Interfax, marks a notable reshaping of the company’s ownership dynamics as Lomakin now holds a substantial portion of the capital. Lomakin received 34.2% of Fix Price’s equity, a stake that positions him among the largest shareholders and within arm’s reach of boardroom influence. In addition, 1% of the shares were acquired by Fix Price CEO Dmitry Kirsanov, further aligning leadership with ownership. (Interfax)
The withdrawal of Khachaturyan from the company’s main shareholding group and its board follows personal or family considerations that the market has described as shaping the timing of the transition. Despite these changes, the company’s governance structure and strategic direction are expected to remain stable, with Fix Price continuing to operate as before and to pursue its existing growth plans. Market observers note that the company has managed past ownership transitions smoothly, minimizing disruption to its day-to-day operations and store network. (Interfax)
In related developments, Fix Price has collaborated with Sberbank to roll out SberPay QR payment technology across its network. The initiative expands the ability to pay using quick response codes beyond Sberbank customers to include users of other partner banks. This move aligns with Fix Price’s broader strategy to improve checkout speed and convenience for shoppers across the Russian retail landscape and aligns with ongoing digital payment trends in the consumer sector. (Interfax)
Under this system, a QR code is displayed at the point of sale for every purchase. Shoppers simply scan the code with their smartphone camera and confirm the payment through their bank’s mobile app with a single tap. The service is designed to work with both iPhone and Android devices, broadening accessibility for a wide range of customers and supporting cashless transactions in physical stores. (Interfax)
Earlier, there were plans for Fix Price to enter new markets, including the United Arab Emirates, as part of a broader expansion strategy. While expansion into a new region can bring opportunities for growth and diversification, execution depends on market conditions, regulatory considerations, and logistics support. The current emphasis remains on strengthening the company’s core network and improving digital payment options for shoppers, alongside strategic ownership changes that influence corporate governance and long-term planning. (Interfax)