Core Insights - VEON Ltd. and Kyivstar are launching the "Invest in Ukraine NOW!" campaign in the U.S. to celebrate Kyivstar's listing on Nasdaq, marking a significant milestone for Ukrainian investment opportunities [1][2][4] - Kyivstar began trading on Nasdaq on August 15, becoming the first Ukrainian company listed on a U.S. stock exchange, with plans to ring the opening bell on August 29 [2][3] - The campaign aims to foster discussions on Ukraine's reconstruction through public-private partnerships and international investments, involving key stakeholders from both Ukrainian and American business communities [2][4] Company Overview - Kyivstar serves nearly 22.4 million mobile customers and over 1.1 million home internet customers, with 13.4 million digital monthly active users as of June 30, 2025 [4][6] - In Q2 2025, Kyivstar reported operating revenue of USD 284 million, reflecting a 20.9% year-on-year increase [4] - The company operates a diverse portfolio of digital services, including healthcare, entertainment, and ride-hailing platforms, and plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027 [4][6] Strategic Partnerships - Kyivstar has partnered with global technology companies, including Starlink, to enhance connectivity services in Ukraine, with a commercial launch planned for Q4 2025 [5][6] - The company aims to strengthen its position as a leading digital operator while contributing to Ukraine's resilience and reconstruction efforts [4][5]

Kyiv, New York, Dubai, and Philadelphia, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON) ("VEON"), a global digital operator and parent company of Ukraine's leading digital operator JSC Kyivstar ("Kyivstar"), and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I (Nasdaq: CCIR) ("Cohen Circle"), a special purpose acquisition company, have today closed the previously announced business combination between Kyivstar Group Ltd. and Cohen Circle (the "Business Combination"), which will make Kyivstar Group Ltd. a U.S.-l ...

Core Viewpoint - VEON Ltd. and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I have successfully completed a business combination, resulting in the establishment of Kyivstar Group Ltd. as a U.S.-listed company, marking it as the first pure-play Ukrainian investment opportunity on U.S. stock markets [1][2][4] Group 1: Business Combination Details - The business combination was approved by Cohen Circle's shareholders on August 12, 2025, with only 25.4% of Class A ordinary shares redeeming, leading to transaction proceeds of USD 178 million [3] - Following the business combination, VEON holds an 89.6% stake in Kyivstar Group Ltd., which will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols "KYIV" and "KYIVW" starting August 15, 2025 [2][4] Group 2: Company Overview - Kyivstar is Ukraine's leading digital operator, serving nearly 23 million mobile customers and 1.1 million fixed connectivity customers, with a diverse portfolio including digital healthcare, entertainment streaming, and ride-hailing services [6][10] - The company plans to launch satellite-powered Direct to Cell services in Q4 2025, enhancing connectivity across Ukraine [7] Group 3: Investment and Growth Strategy - VEON and Kyivstar Group intend to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure, technological development, and strategic acquisitions [10] - Kyivstar's growth strategy emphasizes robust execution, strong growth, and a commitment to rebuilding Ukraine, appealing to international investors seeking high-growth opportunities [4][5]

Core Insights - Kyivstar Group reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, showcasing resilience and growth in its digital operator strategy [3][5][6] - The integration of Uklon has significantly contributed to revenue and profitability, reinforcing Kyivstar's position in the market [3][5][6] Financial Performance - Total operating revenue reached USD 284 million, a 20.9% increase year-on-year in USD and 25.9% in local currency [5][6] - Profit for the period was USD 82 million, up 13.9% year-on-year in USD and 18.6% in local currency, with a profit margin of 28.9% [5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA was USD 165 million, reflecting an 18.7% year-on-year increase in USD and 23.6% in local currency, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 58.1% [5][6] Digital Growth - Direct digital revenue now accounts for 10.3% of total operating revenue, with Uklon contributing USD 21.7 million in revenue and USD 9.3 million in adjusted EBITDA [5][6] - The Multiplay customer base increased by 23.7% year-on-year to 6.5 million, representing 31.7% of one-month active mobile customers [6] - Total digital monthly active users reached 13.4 million, a 51.2% increase from the previous year, including 3.5 million users from Uklon [6] Strategic Initiatives - The company is on track for its Nasdaq listing, which is expected to enhance its investment appeal and support Ukraine's digital transformation [3][13] - Kyivstar Group plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure and technological development [10]

Core Insights - Kyivstar Group reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with total operating revenue reaching USD 255 million, a 37.1% increase year-on-year in USD terms and 49.6% in local currency [2][5][6] - The company achieved a profit of USD 44 million for the period, reflecting a 22.2% year-on-year increase in USD and a 33.7% increase in local currency terms, resulting in a profit margin of 17.3% [2][5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was USD 140 million, up 50.5% year-on-year in USD and 64.6% in local currency, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 54.9% [2][5][6] Financial Performance - Total operating revenue for Q1 2025 was USD 255 million, up 37.1% year-on-year in USD and 49.6% in local currency [2][5][6] - Profit for the period amounted to USD 44 million, a 22.2% increase year-on-year in USD and 33.7% in local currency [2][5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA reached USD 140 million, representing a 50.5% year-on-year increase in USD and 64.6% in local currency [2][5][6] Customer Growth - The Multiplay customer base increased by 40.7% year-on-year to 6.1 million, representing 29.5% of one-month-active mobile customers [6] - Total digital monthly active users across Kyivstar Group's digital applications reached 10.3 million in Q1 2025, up 32.9% from 7.7 million a year earlier [6] Strategic Initiatives - The company completed the acquisition of Uklon, a leading ride-hailing business, for approximately USD 155.2 million and increased its stake in Helsi, Ukraine's largest digital health platform, from 69.99% to 97.99% [5][14] - Kyivstar Group is progressing towards a listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, with a registration statement filed in conjunction with a business combination with Cohen Circle [8][10]

Core Insights - Kyivstar Group reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with total operating revenue reaching USD 255 million, a 37.1% increase year-on-year in USD and 49.6% in local currency terms [2][6][7] - The company achieved a profit of USD 44 million for the period, reflecting a 22.2% year-on-year increase in USD and 33.7% in local currency terms, resulting in a profit margin of 17.3% [2][6][7] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was USD 140 million, up 50.5% year-on-year in USD and 64.6% in local currency terms, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 54.9% [2][6][7] Financial Performance - Total operating revenue for Q1 2025 was USD 255 million, up 37.1% year-on-year in USD and 49.6% in local currency terms [2][6][7] - Profit for the period amounted to USD 44 million, a 22.2% increase year-on-year in USD and 33.7% in local currency terms [2][6][7] - Adjusted EBITDA reached USD 140 million, reflecting a 50.5% year-on-year increase in USD and 64.6% in local currency terms [2][6][7] Strategic Developments - The company completed the acquisition of Uklon, a leading ride-hailing business in Ukraine, for approximately USD 155.2 million [6][14] - Kyivstar Group increased its stake in Helsi, Ukraine's largest digital health platform, from 69.99% to 97.99% [6][14] - The company is progressing towards a listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, following a business combination agreement with Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. [5][9] Customer Growth - The Multiplay customer base grew by 40.7% year-on-year to 6.1 million customers, representing 29.5% of one-month-active mobile customers [7] - Total digital monthly active users across Kyivstar Group's digital applications reached 10.3 million in Q1 2025, up 32.9% from 7.7 million a year earlier [7]

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].