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VEON Moves Forward with Kyivstar's Landmark Nasdaq Listing; Signs Definitive Business Combination Agreement with Cohen Circle
Newsfilterยท2025-03-18 11:00

Core Viewpoint - VEON Ltd. and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I have signed a business combination agreement that will lead to the listing of JSC Kyivstar on the Nasdaq Stock Market, marking a significant milestone for Ukraine's economic future and providing international investors with access to the Ukrainian market [1][4][5]. Company Overview - Kyivstar is Ukraine's largest digital operator, serving over 24 million customers with fixed and mobile communication services [8][10]. - The company has a strong consumer digital service portfolio, including a healthcare platform with over 28 million registered patients and a streaming platform with 2 million monthly active users [8]. - Kyivstar plans to invest USD 1 billion into new telecom technologies in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027 [10]. Business Combination Details - Following the business combination, Kyivstar Group will be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol KYIV, with VEON retaining a minimum of 80% ownership [2]. - The transaction assigns a pro-forma valuation of USD 2.21 billion to Kyivstar at closing [8]. - The business combination is expected to close in Q3 2025, pending shareholder approval and customary closing conditions [2][20]. Management Commentary - VEON's Chairman emphasized that Kyivstar's listing will be a defining moment for Ukraine's economic future and a unique opportunity for global investors [4]. - The CEO of VEON highlighted Kyivstar's strong financial profile and governance structure, which are expected to attract international investors [5]. - Kyivstar's CEO noted the company's resilience during the war and its commitment to rebuilding Ukraine's infrastructure [6]. Advisors - Rothschild & Co is acting as the lead financial advisor to VEON, while BTIG, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. are also involved as capital markets advisors [9].