Sorainen Belarus advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on equity investments (acquisition of a 25.5% stake) in Commercial and Industrial Group West-Ost Union, the largest children’s goods retail chain in Belarus consisting of 11 supermarkets located in the biggest Belarusian cities (the chain is operated under the “Buslik” trademark). EBRD investments will be directed towards further expansion of the chain in Belarusian regions, including opening five new supermarkets and implementation of international management and accounting standards in the company. This is already the third EBRD transaction in Belarus this year where Sorainen acted as local legal counsel.

The client was advised by a team of Sorainen associates led by partner Kiryl Apanasevich.