KYIV, Ukraine, Feb. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kyivstar Group Ltd. (Nasdaq: KYIV; KYIVW) (“Kyivstar”), Ukraine's leading digital operator and the first Ukrainian company to trade on the Nasdaq, has today signed a definitive agreement and completed the transaction to acquire 100% of Tabletki.ua for a consideration of USD 160 million, which will be paid in full in Ukrainian hryvna in Ukraine. Tabletki.ua is one of Ukraine’s most widely used digital marketplaces for healthcare products that enables consumers ...

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]

Core Viewpoint - The business combination between VEON Ltd. and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I has successfully closed, resulting in the establishment of Kyivstar Group Ltd. as a U.S.-listed company, marking a significant milestone for Ukrainian investment opportunities in the U.S. stock market [1][2][4]. Company Overview - Kyivstar Group Ltd. will begin trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols "KYIV" and "KYIVW" on or about August 15, 2025, making it the first pure-play Ukrainian investment opportunity in U.S. markets [2]. - VEON holds an 89.6% stake in Kyivstar Group Ltd. following the business combination [2]. Shareholder Approval and Financials - Cohen Circle's shareholders approved the business combination at an extraordinary general meeting on August 12, 2025, with only 25.4% of Class A ordinary shares exercising redemption rights, resulting in transaction proceeds of USD 178 million [3]. Leadership Statements - VEON's Chairman emphasized the historical significance of Kyivstar's listing on Nasdaq and its role in showcasing Ukraine's resilience and investment potential [4]. - The CEO of VEON highlighted the strong investor confidence in Kyivstar, evidenced by low redemption rates during the transaction [4]. - Kyivstar's President expressed excitement about sharing the company's growth story with international investors [4]. Company Services and Market Position - Kyivstar serves nearly 23 million mobile customers and 1.1 million fixed connectivity customers, offering a range of digital services including healthcare, entertainment, and enterprise solutions [6][10]. - The company is also a key player in Ukraine's software development landscape and has partnerships with international technology firms [6]. Future Developments - Kyivstar plans to commercially launch satellite-powered Direct to Cell services in Q4 2025, enhancing connectivity across Ukraine [7]. Investment Commitment - 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].

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]

Financial Performance - VEON's total revenue reached $1087 million, a 5.9% YoY increase in reported terms and 11.2% in local currency[21, 48] - EBITDA was $520 million, up 13.2% YoY in local currency and 19.6% in reported terms, with an EBITDA margin of 47.8%, a 3.1 percentage point increase[21, 54] - Direct digital revenues grew significantly, reaching $180 million, a 56.6% YoY increase in reported terms and 62.4% in local currency, representing 16.5% of total revenues[21, 48] Digital Growth & Strategy - Direct digital revenues now account for 16.5% of total group revenues, compared to 11.2% in Q2 2024[21] - VEON is focused on growing direct digital revenues through financial services, healthcare, entertainment, ride-hailing, and enterprise services[24] - Multiplay users are driving revenue growth, with multiplay segment revenue reaching $438 million[29, 31] Debt & Liquidity - Net debt (excluding leases) stood at $1962 million, with a net debt to LTM EBITDA ratio of 1.32x[21] - Group cash was $1283 million, including $206 million at the HQ level[21, 58] - The company enhanced financial flexibility with a subsequent $200 million bond placement[16, 58] Revised Outlook - VEON revised its 2025 outlook, projecting total revenue growth of 13%-15% and EBITDA growth of 14%-16% in local currency[15, 60] - Capex intensity is expected to be 17%-19% for 2025[60]