Entering the markets of Russia and the CIS for international companies

International legal support for foreign companies entering the markets of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and other CIS countries

— About practice

Entering the market does not begin with company registration

For an international company, entering the market of Russia or the CIS countries is a strategic decision that determines the business structure, corporate governance model, investment risks, the system of international contracts and the further development of the company in the region.

Registration of a legal entity is only one of the stages. Before this, it is necessary to determine the method of entering the market, choose a corporate structure, assess the requirements of industry regulation, analyze investment restrictions, build a system of contractual relations and prepare the business for interaction with banks, government agencies and commercial partners.

Erich Rath assists international companies at all stages of entering the Russian and CIS markets, helping to create legally sustainable business models for manufacturing companies, industrial concerns, technology companies, investment funds and family offices.

— When practice is needed

Legal support is necessary if the company:

  • enters the Russian market for the first time
  • expands activities to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia or other CIS countries
  • creates a subsidiary
  • opens a branch or representative office
  • acquires an existing business
  • creates a joint venture
  • localizes production
  • moves supply chains
  • is looking for a regional hub to work with CIS markets
  • attracts a strategic investor
  • changes the structure of an international group of companies

— Presence formats

Ways to enter the Russian and CIS markets

Creation of a subsidiary

The creation of a subsidiary remains the most common model for the long-term presence of international companies. This structure ensures independent operational activities, allows you to conclude contracts, hire personnel, participate in government procurement and implement investment projects.

We support the entire process of creating subsidiaries, including the development of a corporate structure, preparation of constituent documents, company registration, organization of corporate governance and subsequent legal support of the business.

Acquisition of an existing business

Purchasing a local company allows you to significantly reduce the time to enter the market and obtain existing infrastructure, personnel, permits and a customer base.

We support M&A transactions, conduct due diligence of the business, analyze corporate and regulatory risks, prepare transaction documentation and support the integration of the acquired business.

Creation of a joint venture

A joint venture allows you to combine the international expertise of a foreign investor with the local knowledge and infrastructure of a regional partner.

We develop the structure of the joint venture, prepare corporate documents, shareholder agreements, mechanisms for management, financing and exit of participants from the project.

— Expertise

Main directions

Go-to-Market Strategy

  • business model analysis
  • investment risk assessment
  • choosing the optimal form of presence
  • development of a project roadmap
  • support for strategy implementation

Corporate structuring

  • creation of holding structures
  • distribution of corporate functions
  • asset ownership models
  • corporate governance
  • preparation of corporate documentation

Company registration

  • registration of legal entities
  • registration of branches
  • registration of representative offices
  • making changes to the corporate structure

Foreign investment

  • support of foreign investments
  • structuring investment projects
  • support of corporate procedures
  • analysis of restrictions for foreign investors

Licensing and regulatory approvals

  • licensing
  • permitting procedures
  • industry approvals
  • support of interaction with government agencies

Business localization

  • localization of the contract base
  • localization of corporate documents
  • implementation of internal policies
  • adaptation of corporate governance

— Results

Relevant experience

supporting the entry of a European industrial group into the Russian market

creation of a corporate structure for an international manufacturing company in the CIS countries

support for the acquisition of a local business by a foreign investor

legal support for creating a joint venture

structuring the presence of an international group of companies while expanding activities in the CIS markets

— Who do we help?

We support projects of companies operating in the following sectors:

  • industry and mechanical engineering
  • automotive industry
  • energy
  • oil and gas industry
  • chemical industry
  • metallurgy
  • logistics and transport
  • information Technology
  • telecommunications
  • pharmaceuticals
  • medical technology
  • consumer goods
  • agro-industrial sector
  • financial services
  • investment funds
  • family offices

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The choice of form of presence depends on business strategy, industry, corporate structure and legal requirements.

The decision depends on the objectives of the project, the nature of the activity, the need to conduct commercial activities and the corporate model of the international group.

Yes. We support projects covering several CIS countries, coordinating legal work in various jurisdictions.

The list of documents is determined by the chosen organizational and legal form, ownership structure and the requirements of the legislation of the relevant country.

Yes. A significant part of our practice involves supporting international manufacturers, industrial equipment suppliers, energy companies and investors.

— Discuss the project

Tell us about your task

Erich Rath assists international companies in entering the Russian and CIS markets, helping to create legal models that meet business strategy, international regulatory requirements and the expectations of major corporate clients.