Lenta Acquires OBI Russia Business in Strategic Move

Russian retail giant Lenta has officially announced the closure of its acquisition of the Russian business of German DIY retailer OBI. The deal transfers rights to 25 stores with a combined area of 263,000 square meters to the new owner.

This strategic move marks a significant expansion for Lenta beyond its traditional grocery operations into the home improvement sector. The acquisition positions Lenta to become a true multi-format retailer, diversifying its portfolio and footprint across Russia's competitive retail landscape.

The acquisition brings 25 OBI locations under Lenta's operational control, representing a substantial addition to the company's real estate portfolio. The total retail space of 263,000 square meters provides significant market presence in the DIY segment.

These assets were previously managed by business structures closely associated with the Sindika group, which was founded by Russian Senator Arsen Kanokov. The transition of ownership represents a major shift in the Russian home improvement retail sector.

Key elements of the transaction include:

• Transfer of rights to 25 OBI store locations
• Acquisition of 263,000 sq. m. of retail space
• Transition from Sindika group management to Lenta
• Expansion into the DIY retail format

The timing of this acquisition appears strategic, coming after a period of financial challenges for the OBI chain under previous management. According to available data, the Sindika group's stewardship resulted in a 14% revenue decline during the first half of 2025.

This performance context may have created favorable acquisition conditions. Industry observers note that Lenta, with its ambition to become a multi-format retail leader, likely secured these assets at a particularly attractive valuation.

Experts suggest the acquisition price may have been symbolic given the chain's recent performance challenges.

The financial dynamics of the deal highlight how operational difficulties can create opportunities for well-positioned acquirers seeking strategic expansion.

This acquisition represents a pivotal moment in Lenta's evolution from a pure grocery retailer to a diversified retail powerhouse. The move into DIY retailing aligns with the company's stated goal of becoming a multi-format retailer capable of serving diverse consumer needs.

By entering the home improvement space, Lenta gains access to a different customer demographic and purchasing patterns. The DIY sector typically features:

• Higher average transaction values
• Different seasonal purchasing cycles
• Complementary customer base to grocery
• Opportunities for cross-format synergies

The acquisition also provides Lenta with immediate scale in a new retail category, avoiding the time and risk associated with organic store launches.

The entry of a major grocery retailer into the DIY space creates new competitive dynamics in Russia's retail market. Lenta's established supply chain capabilities and operational expertise could bring fresh efficiency to the acquired locations.

For consumers, the transition may bring improved store operations, pricing strategies, and potentially new loyalty program integrations across Lenta's expanding portfolio. The deal also demonstrates continued confidence in Russia's retail sector despite broader economic challenges.

The acquisition by Lenta represents the latest chapter in the evolution of the OBI brand in Russia, which has operated in the market for years under various ownership structures.

The completion of this acquisition positions Lenta for its next phase of growth as a diversified retail operator. The company now faces the operational challenge of successfully integrating 25 new stores while maintaining excellence across its existing grocery operations.

Key questions for the future include how Lenta will brand these locations, whether they will operate under the OBI name or a new format, and how quickly the company can reverse the revenue decline experienced under previous management. The success of this strategic expansion will be closely watched by competitors and investors alike.

For now, the deal stands as a clear signal of Lenta's ambition to compete across multiple retail categories in the Russian market.