Novus Ukraine LLC has invested UAH 1 billion 360 million in business development in 2023-2024, said Oleksiy Panasenko, Deputy CEO for Operations at NOVUS, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
“In total, NOVUS invested UAH 1 billion 360 million in 2023-2024 to expand its network, own logistics center, restore damaged and open 16 new stores, and implement an energy efficiency program. In 2025, we plan to invest in the development of the company, in various formats, despite the war. Our goal is to provide every customer with access to quality products,” he said.
He added that in 2024, 17 new facilities have already been opened, including 14 Mi Market convenience stores in the capital region. In particular, on December 18, Mi Market was opened in the residential complex Respublika with an area of 103.8 square meters, on December 20, the opening of NOVUS in Kyiv at 12 Petropavlivska Street was announced, and two more Mi Markets will open by the end of the year.
“The Mi Market format is highly efficient due to its compactness and focus on everyday needs. We see great prospects for the development of new residential areas and are actively working on an expansion strategy. We are planning to scale this format in densely populated areas, this year we will open two more, in 2025 – another 50 new Mi Market stores,” said Panasenko.
He noted that the Mi Market convenience store format provides for an area of 50 to 400 square meters. Investments in the opening of such a store, including renovation, purchase of equipment and other operating expenses, amount to about UAH 5 million.
The company is also preparing to open two NOVUS stores in the near future. One on Petropavlivska Street on December 20 with a total area of 600 square meters, and one on Sofiiska Borshchahivka in the first half of next year with a total area of over 2 thousand square meters.
“Both of them are equipped with modern energy-efficient equipment for uninterrupted operation and products of our own production,” Panasenko added.
He added that at this stage the company has no plans to expand to other regions.
“Currently, we are strategically focused on developing in the capital region and creating the most comfortable conditions for customers. Our main bet now is on organic growth and opening new stores in Kyiv and the region. We have no detailed plans to expand to other regions. At the same time, we are open to any proposals and are ready to consider new regions if it is economically feasible. It is important for us not just to enter a new market, but to be able to develop and build an effective business in this region,” said Panasenko.
The NOVUS supermarket chain is developed by BT Invest (Lithuania), a company established in 2008 by former Sandora shareholders Raimondas Tumenas and the late Igor Bezzub. As of the end of December, the chain had 115 locations (85 NOVUS, 28 Mi Market convenience stores and two Hapaika discounters).
According to Opendatabot, as of July 2021, the owner of Novus Ukraine with a 100% stake in the authorized capital was Consul Trade House CJSC (Vilnius, Lithuania). The ultimate beneficiaries are Marina Poznyakova, Agne Ruzgienė, and Raimondas Tumenas.
According to the company’s financial results, in 2023, its revenue increased by 47% to UAH 23.6 billion, while its net loss decreased by 87% to UAH 310.7 million.
