October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

Ulmart’s $6 Billion IPO Plan: What Happened to the Russian E-Commerce Giant?

Ulmart’s $5–6 billion figure was a preliminary estimate for a proposed IPO, not a public-market valuation. The offering never materialized, and the company later entered bankruptcy proceedings.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Ulmart never completed the IPO once discussed at a prospective $5–6 billion valuation. That figure was a preliminary estimate reported in January 2015—not a public-market price or a verified current valuation. The company later faced a reported share-sale agreement implying a far lower value, and Ulmart was declared bankrupt in 2020.

What did Ulmart mean by a $6 billion valuation?

In January 2015, RBC reported that Ulmart was considering an offering of about $1 billion in shares and that investment banks advising or assessing the company had discussed a preliminary valuation of $5–6 billion. The proposed IPO was described as a plan for 2016. The upper end of that estimate is the source of the headline’s $6 billion figure; it was management’s prospective IPO-era estimate, not a value established by a completed share offering. RBC’s January 21, 2015 report and EWDN’s contemporaneous coverage described the proposal.

The intended $1 billion share offering was a fundraising target, not money Ulmart raised. It is also a different kind of figure from a company valuation: the proposed amount of shares to sell does not establish what investors ultimately would have paid.

Did Ulmart revise its IPO plan?

In March 2016, chairman Dmitry Kostygin said the company might pursue a smaller $500–700 million IPO in late 2016 or spring 2017. Vedomosti reported this as a possible offering, following the earlier plan—not as a completed listing or a firm commitment. Vedomosti’s report records the revised timing and proposed size.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Poly Mailers 10x13 Inch, 25 Pack, Bee Self-Seal Shipping Bags
  • Pack contents: Includes 25 bee-print poly mailers; each bag measures 10 x 13 in for packing clothing and other soft, non-fragile items
  • Bee print: Light green background with bees, white daisies, yellow hearts, and dotted flight paths creates a playful, cheerful package presentation
  • 2.4 mil polyethylene: Lightweight non-padded material helps reduce packaging bulk and supports routine shipping of soft goods
  • Self-seal closure: Remove the release liner, fold the flap, and press firmly; the adhesive strip closes the bag without additional tape
  • Opaque inner layer: Dark interior helps reduce visibility of packaged contents; suitable for shirts, accessories, textiles, and handmade goods

Ulmart’s chief executive, Sergey Fedorinov, framed an IPO as one possible source of capital rather than an objective by itself. In an April 2015 interview, he said: “We’re not considering an IPO as a goal in itself. We are willing to raise money to continue developing a great and very attractive company.” The EWDN interview also described the company’s business model and historical revenue.

Why did a later reported share sale imply a much lower value?

In October 2016, Kommersant reported that a contract signed in August 2015 involved the sale of 22.94% of Ulmart Holdings for $40 million. Dividing that reported transaction amount by the stake implies about $174 million for all shares of the holding company. Kommersant’s account also described shareholder disagreements and arbitration. Read Kommersant’s report.

Rank #2
Fanfold 4x6 Direct Thermal Shipping Label 500 Labels/1 Stacks,White Thermal Labels for Shipping Label Printer, Perforated and Strong Adhesive, Commercial Grade
  • SPECIFIACTION-500 Thermal Labels (1 Stack) | Folding Shipping Labels | Size: 4x6 inches | White
  • WATER, OIL & SCRATCH RESISTANT- Mvgges 4x6 Transportation labels are produced using advanced manufacturing techniques. Resistant to scratches, water, dirt, dust and grease. Printed images are clear and barcodes are easy to read.
  • PERMANENT ADHESIVE-4x6 shipping labels are made with a high quality, strong adhesive that adheres securely and permanently to any packaging surface. Ensure your package arrives smoothly no matter how far it is being shipped.
  • EASY TO TEAR, EASY TO APPLY, FADE RESISTANT-Thermal labels are perforated for easy removal without damage.4x6 shipping paper has a smooth, fade-resistant surface and is easy to apply. Ensure that the thermal shipping paper shows the print clearly.
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY-4x6 folded thermal labels are fully compatible with most direct thermal printers. No wasted paper or paper jams.

That implication is sharply different from the earlier IPO estimate, but it is not a like-for-like comparison. The $174 million figure is an arithmetic implication from a reported private share-sale contract, not an IPO-market valuation or a precise audited valuation of Ulmart’s operating business. The numbers refer to different dates, sources and transaction settings; they should not be treated as interchangeable measurements of the same thing.

What kind of company was Ulmart?

Founded in 2008, Ulmart combined an online storefront and logistics network with pickup points and physical “cybermarkets.” CEO Sergey Fedorinov described customers ordering through terminals at those facilities as still buying online because they placed orders through the platform. The EWDN interview reported company-information revenue of $1.3 billion in 2014, excluding VAT; that is an operating figure, not an equity valuation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
13 * 12 inch 100 Small Sheets White Packing Paper Sheets for Moving Supplies, Protecting Fragile China and Glasses,Small Wrapping Paper for Shipping and Moving Box Filler.
  • Please check the size carefully. Compact Packing Paper Sheets for Small Fragile Items : Each packing paper sheet measures 13" x 12", making this pack ideal for wrapping smaller fragile items such as mugs, candles, ornaments, dishes, glassware, collectibles, cosmetics, and decorative pieces. With 100 unprinted packing paper sheets for moving and shipping, this compact value pack provides convenient coverage for organizing, cushioning, and protecting delicate household or business items during transport, mailing, or storage.
  • Durable Cushioning Packing Paper for Moving and Shipping : Made from durable 45–48 GSM newsprint paper, these moving paper packing sheets provide dependable cushioning and shock absorption to help reduce scratches, shifting, and breakage inside moving boxes and shipping cartons. The soft paper surface conforms around fragile and irregularly shaped items while remaining lightweight and easy to handle. Ideal packing materials for wrapping dishes, glassware, ceramics, electronics, candles, collectibles, and fragile shipped products.
  • Unprinted Newsprint Paper Leaves No Ink Transfer : Unlike printed newspaper, these unprinted gray-white packing paper sheets help prevent ink residue or smudges on wrapped items and delicate surfaces. The clean newsprint paper is suitable for packing dishes, wrapping glassware, protecting collectibles, storing seasonal decorations, and preparing fragile items for shipping, mailing, moving, or long-term storage. Compact sheets are easy to fold, layer, and wrap around smaller valuables.
  • Versatile Packing Materials for Home, Shipping, and Crafts : These packing paper sheets for moving can also be used as packing paper for shipping, void fill, storage padding, mailing supplies, drawer lining, gift wrapping paper, moving supplies, and craft paper for DIY projects. The lightweight paper crumples easily into compact protective void fill to stabilize fragile items, reduce movement during transport, and help fill empty space inside shipping boxes and cartons.
  • Convenient 100-Sheet Value Pack for Everyday Packing Needs : With 100 compact packing paper sheets in every pack, Purple Papers provides practical packing materials for apartment moves, small business shipping, online order fulfillment, storage organization, holiday decoration packing, and everyday household use. The lightweight bundle stores easily in drawers, cabinets, closets, and packing stations while keeping protective wrapping paper ready whenever needed for shipping, moving, and storage applications.

A UNIDO report on Russian e-commerce described Ulmart as a private retailer that led the sector by revenue from 2013 through 2015, with about US$1 billion annually. It said the network covered more than 400 sales points in over 200 Russian cities and listed categories including electronics, children’s and automotive goods, DIY equipment, plane tickets and digital content. These figures describe the company historically, not its present-day operations. UNIDO’s national report provides that context.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What happened to Ulmart after the IPO plans?

RBC reported that a St. Petersburg arbitration court declared Ulmart bankrupt on February 18, 2020. In April 2021, RBC reported that Ulmarket—a successor operating structure formed in an attempted rescue—was also declared bankrupt. These were distinct legal entities and reported bankruptcy events. The available reporting does not establish the final status of every associated group company or proceeding today. RBC’s 2020 report on Ulmart and its 2021 report on Ulmarket describe those developments.

Rank #4
Rollo Shipping Scale for Packages - Digital Postal Scale (110 Lb Max)
  • IDEAL FOR ECOMMERCE SELLERS: Our digital shipping scale is designed to provide precise weight measurements, ensuring accurate postage calculation for small businesses. Say goodbye to inaccurate shipping weights and streamline your ecommerce operations with confidence.
  • HIGH WEIGHT CAPACITY: The package scale has a 110 pound weighing capacity with 4 units of measure; including grams (g), kilograms (kg), pounds (lb), and pounds and ounces (lb oz), , catering to a wide range of shipping requirements.
  • CONVENIENT HOLD & TARE FUNCTIONS: With the hold function, you can lock the weight measurement on the display even after removing the package. This allows you to record the weight without straining or obstructing your view. The tare function allows you to deduct the weight of containers or packaging materials, giving you accurate measurements of the items alone.
  • USER FRIENDLY DESIGN: We've designed our shipping scale with your convenience in mind. The separate weight reading panel ensures easy visibility, eliminating any strain or awkward positioning while weighing your items. Additionally, the scale has an auto shut off feature to save battery life when not in use.
  • VERSATILE POWER OPTIONS: Our digital scale offers flexible power options to suit your needs. You can use the included AC adapter for continuous power supply, ensuring consistent performance throughout the day. Alternatively, you can opt for AAA batteries, providing you with the freedom to use the scale anywhere, even in places without electrical outlets.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.