In Russia, large enterprises calculated the consequences of the spring disruption with precision in 2022, while owners of midsize companies faced a sobering reflection about the new reality. The landscape split into extremes: some firms saw accelerated growth, others faced a brutal downturn, and a number of businesses found themselves torn between keeping operations local and exporting partially or relocating strategic activities abroad. The agile nature of midsize firms began to play a decisive role as they reassessed risk, liquidity, and resilience.
Today, midsize enterprises with annual revenues ranging from 1 to 10 billion rubles are actively seeking fresh streams of capital and new opportunities. The guiding principle is simple: focus on familiar niches, trusted markets, and well-understood tools that track record reveals as reliable. When the core business has endured, it makes sense to shore it up first and then look for opportunities to diversify, order scarce inputs, and manage cash with greater frugality than before. There were instances where the absence of imported circuit boards and compact microchips halted entire production lines for equipment like electricity meters, forcing large facilities with hundreds of workers to halt operations simply because a single component was missing.
Seasoned financiers often advise midsize owners not to park every euro in development alone. Instead, they propose traditional financial instruments on public markets and other robust avenues that can serve as ballast against volatility. Yet today, genuine self-sufficiency provides more protection against risk than conventional deposits as a strategy for safeguarding capital and maintaining operational continuity.
When procurement is done with vigilance and a deep understanding of production needs and industry dynamics, overstocking the warehouse becomes a viable risk management tactic. A rainy day can be weathered by reselling materials, components, and equipment to demand from neighboring industries. A well-stocked inventory can be monetized more easily than ever, especially in times of disruption, and can act as a strategic hedge against supply chain shocks.
There is also the possibility of acquiring abandoned businesses. In the wake of the upheavals of 2022, many midsize players left Russia or reduced their stake in Russian assets. This creates an opening for industry peers to acquire such assets at substantial discounts. This strategy is often about preserving people, not merely purchasing assets; it can save highly skilled specialists who remain in these enterprises and help reintegrate them into productive use. The reorganization of portfolios among major brands has already begun, with large-scale transitions indicating a broader industry reset and the emergence of new, scaled ventures built on the lessons of recent years.
One notable example involves a decorative cosmetics producer whose orders spanned the globe. The owner, overwhelmed by the crisis, left the business and relocated to California, turning the operational team into an uncertain asset. Enterprising industry colleagues stepped in, providing working capital and a stake in the venture, which allowed the former team to reenter the market they had long planned to conquer without the usual early-stage obstacles. This demonstrates how informed collaboration can revive a paused operation and unlock entry into new markets without a long, painful ramp-up.
Another avenue is to acquire commercial real estate. Owners of midsize companies have long favored tangible investments—machinery, equipment, components, and finished goods. The current moment presents a fresh window for property investments. Developers and resellers are offering significant discounts as corporate footprints shrink, some firms relocate, and rental obligations are renegotiated. Large-scale deals for retail and commercial spaces have appeared at substantial markdowns, while smaller transactions for offices, storefronts, or warehouses also present solid opportunities. Caution remains essential in this space; buyers should verify property viability and access points, as some storefronts may face redevelopment schedules or restricted entry.
In a period of upheaval, the guiding rule is clear: temper emotion with practical judgment. Consistency, stamina, and financial balance tend to yield dependable results, even in volatile markets. The current environment rewards disciplined decision making, thorough due diligence, and calculated risk taking rather than speculative bets or quick wins. A measured approach to diversification, inventory control, and selective acquisitions has the potential to stabilize earnings and create long-term value for midsize enterprises navigating the post-crisis landscape.