Kesarev recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of pioneering government relations and public affairs. On October 3rd, we gathered with clients, friends, and partners to reflect on a journey that began in Moscow in 2004, a time when the concept of dedicated government relations firms was virtually unknown in Russia. We believed in the power of strategic government interaction, and over the years, we’ve not only navigated complex landscapes but also set the standards for Government Relations (GR) practices that are now followed by multinational corporations worldwide.

Our greatest achievement lies in the trust placed in us by our clients, who rely on us to address their most strategic challenges. We are equally proud of our exceptional team, which continues to grow in expertise and size. We deeply value our collaborative relationships with other consulting firms, law firms, investment banks, audit firms, and strategic advisors.

Significant Achievements:

Throughout the years, Kesarev has consistently delivered exceptional results for our clients, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and facilitating high-stakes transactions. Here are some key highlights of our recent accomplishments:

Navigating Complex Transactions:

• Kesarev acted as GR counsel in Expobank’s acquisition of HSBC’s Russian subsidiary, securing a rare special permission from the President of Russia. This landmark transaction, completed in May 2024, stands as one of the largest successful exits of a foreign bank from the Russian market.
• We successfully facilitated the withdrawal of significant dividends from Russia for a large, dual-listed public company. This year-long process involved intricate negotiations with key stakeholders, including the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Industry and Trade, resulting in the approval of 9.8 billion rubles in profit distribution.
• Kesarev provided strategic advice and representation to Sylvamo during a complex bidding process, securing government approval for the acquisition of a vital asset.
• We are currently advising multiple international companies on the sale of their Russian assets, including a Swiss medical devices and cosmetics manufacturer, an American payment solutions company, and an Austrian bricks manufacturer, all while navigating the complexities of government sub-commission approvals.
• Kesarev advised Henkel on the sale of their Russian assets to a consortium of Russian investors, successfully obtaining approvals from the Government Sub-Commission and the Federal Antimonopoly Service for a transaction worth 54 billion rubles.

Leading at the World Economic Forum 2025:

Kesarev organized two influential events at the World Economic Forum, continuing our tradition of fostering high-level dialogue.

The first event, Kesarev’s exclusive annual gathering, brought together CEOs, investors, and strategists to discuss navigating the complexities of the “new Iron Curtain.”

The second event, in partnership with the Alliance for Multipolar Economic Cooperation, was a high-level session titled “Global Business in the Fractured World.”

Each event encouraged open exchanges among business leaders, policymakers, and experts, creating a space for candid discussions on key topics. Kesarev’s efforts once again underscored its role in shaping significant conversations at the highest level during the World Economic Forum.

Recognition and Expertise:

• Kesarev was honored as the “Best GR Consultant in M&A” at the Russia M&A Awards 2024, recognizing our expertise in facilitating complex transactions.
• We received the Government Relations special nomination in the prestigious Pravo-300 national ranking for our successful GR strategy in amending legislation on foreign ownership of classifieds.
• Kesarev provides consistent support for foreign investors that have decided to remain in Russia (including some of the largest U.S. investors in food, FMCG and industrial sectors), helping to navigate the complicated regulatory landscape. Our services include:
  • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
  • Crisis management implementation.
  • Strategic government affairs support.
  • Assistance with dividend withdrawal and loan repayment approvals.

BRICS Insights:

In October, the city of Kazan hosted the XVI BRICS Summit, marking the conclusion of Russia’s presidency in 2024. With 35 foreign delegations in attendance – 23 led by heads of state and 12 by senior officials – the Summit proved to be a significant international event.

Kesarev closely monitored the BRICS agenda during Russia’s presidency, providing in-depth GR assessments of key areas, including finance, payment systems, business-government interaction, climate policy, and food security. These reports are available here, offering valuable insights for businesses operating within the BRICS framework.

Kesarev’s journey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing strategic counsel and navigating complex environments. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to building trust, fostering dialogue, and delivering exceptional results for our clients.