Well-known Ukrainian entrepreneur Maksym Krippa, who already owns the Parus business center and the Ukraine hotel in Kyiv, continues to actively expand his asset portfolio. He recently became the majority owner of the International Exhibition Center LLC, acquiring more than 75% of its shares.
According to Interfax-Ukraine, as part of the deal, Krippa acquired 50.04% of the shares of A.T.V.T., a key shareholder of the IEC, and also bought out the shares previously owned by Anatoly and Elena Tkachenko. Thus, the businessman has concentrated in his hands the majority of shares in the largest exhibition complex in the country.
Commenting on the deal, Maksym Krippa noted that he sees this project not only as business potential, but also as a strategic investment in the future of the Ukrainian economy:
“I have been investing in real estate in Ukraine and abroad, particularly in Dubai, for many years. The acquisition of the IEC is a signal that our country has stability and prospects that are important for international business,” he said.
Following the completion of the deal, the parties have already moved on to planning the next stage — a large-scale modernization and further development of the IEC as a modern exhibition hub capable of hosting European-level events.
New formats will appear at the IEC
Maksym Krippa, the new owner of the controlling stake in the International Exhibition Center in Kyiv, has revealed his vision for the future of the facility. According to him, the IEC has every chance of becoming a leading venue for large-scale business events, industry forums, and international conferences.
“I see this center as the potential face of modern Ukraine — open, competitive, ready to welcome the world on its territory,” Krippa emphasized.
First and foremost, according to the investor, the center’s team will remain intact: more than 130 employees who have already proven their effectiveness will continue their work. The next stage will be to update the strategic development course. There are plans to create a space that is more open to innovation and modern formats, which will be adaptable to market needs.
“We want the IEC to not just stay in the game, but also set the tone. This requires both new ideas and a willingness to change the functional purpose of the complex in the future. We are focused on global trends and are ready to respond flexibly to challenges,” he emphasized.
At the same time, Krippa assured that the condition of the exhibition center building is considered satisfactory. No urgent repairs or large-scale renovations are currently planned. The facility is ready for further operation in its existing format, which allows resources to be concentrated on conceptual changes.
A new stage for the IEC
In May 2025, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine approved a change in the ownership structure of one of the country’s largest exhibition facilities. This concerns the International Exhibition Center LLC, whose share is now passing under the control of a structure linked to the well-known Ukrainian entrepreneur Maksym Krippa.
According to information published after the decision, the concentration was approved for Citadel Ventures Cyprus Limited, a company registered in Cyprus. Its ultimate beneficiary is Krippa, whose investment activities include real estate, the hotel business, and technology projects.
Under the approved deal, Cyprus-based Citadel Ventures gained control over another Cypriot company, A.T.V.T. Business Expo Holdings Ltd., which owns a 50.04% stake in IEC LLC. Thus, Krippa consolidated his key influence over the country’s largest exhibition venue.
Until then, the center’s ownership structure had been divided among several participants. In particular, 12.49% belonged to Anatoliy Tkachenko, the current director of IEC, and Viktor Tkachenko. Another 24.98% was owned by the Asborn venture fund, which is controlled by Marina Dorokhina, the daughter of influential Kyiv developer Vagif Aliyev, one of the key players in the capital’s commercial real estate market.
Thus, after the deal was completed, Krippa not only strengthened its presence in the capital’s development environment, but also gained control over a strategic facility that could become a central platform for international events in Ukraine.