Afina Group LLC, whose beneficiaries are Ruslan Shostak and Valery Kiptik, co-owners of the EVA and Varus chains, has officially completed the process of acquiring ownership of PJSC Vinnitsabythim, according to the company’s press service.
After fulfilling the necessary legal conditions of the deal, the enterprise became the property of the company. This completes the lengthy privatisation process of one of the key assets of Ukrainian industry in the field of household chemicals.
As reported, in August 2025, Afina Group won an online auction for the privatisation of the nationalised PJSC Vinnitsabythim, offering UAH 608.136 million against the initial price of UAH 301.406 million.
Afina Group noted that the acquisition of ownership rights to Vinnitsabytkhim is part of a long-term strategy for the development of Ukrainian production. The company sees the enterprise as a key platform for further expanding its portfolio of own brands, launching new products and introducing modern quality standards that meet the requirements of national and international markets.
A separate emphasis in the further development of the plant will be placed on preserving and gradually increasing the number of jobs in the region. The implementation of investment plans provides for the expansion of production capacities, which will create additional opportunities for employment and professional development of specialists.
Afina Group considers the acquisition of PJSC Vinnitsabythim to be a responsible investment step and a contribution to strengthening Ukrainian industry, supporting the country’s economic stability and developing national brands during wartime.
Earlier it was reported that on 31 July 2024, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) upheld the Ministry of Justice’s claim to apply sanctions to the Russian company Nevskaya Kosmetika in the form of a 100% stake in the Ukrainian company Vinnytsia Bytkhim being transferred to the state.
In July 2022, the seized assets of PJSC Vinnitsabytkhim were transferred to the National Agency for the Identification, Search and Management of Assets Derived from Corruption and Other Crimes (ARMA).
Following a competitive selection process in July 2023, Kraitex-Service LLC, part of the Afina Group, was granted the right to resume operations and become the asset manager. Kraitex-Service later announced that it would invest UAH 400 million in launching production at Vinnitsabytkhim.
ARMA ceased management of the asset in April 2025 and transferred it to the State Property Fund of Ukraine for further implementation. According to the National Agency, during the period of management of the seized asset, almost UAH 100 million was transferred to the state budget.
While managing the plant, Afina Group launched production of its own brands, Vuhastyk and Sarmix, at its facilities.
PJSC Vinnitsabytkhim is one of the oldest manufacturers of household chemicals in Ukraine with a long history and significant industrial potential. The company has a tower technology for the production of washing powders, which is unique for the Ukrainian market, a modern laboratory base and a developed production and warehouse infrastructure. The plant is of strategic importance for the household chemicals industry and plays an important role in the industrial development of the region.
Afina Group has been operating in the Ukrainian market for over 20 years and is one of the leading operators in the fields of distribution, logistics and the creation of its own brands. The most famous brands of Afina Group are TM Vuhastyk, TM SARMIX, and TM iFresh. The company serves key national and local retail chains through its own extensive network of branches and distribution logistics centres. Its coverage area includes the whole of Ukraine.
According to data from YouControl, in the first three quarters of 2025, Afina Group LLC increased its revenue by 10.7% to UAH 2 billion 286.125 million, with a net loss of UAH 90.576 million compared to a net profit of UAH 68.525 million in the third quarter of 2024.
