Renowned Ukrainian entrepreneur Maksym Krippa, owner of the esports club NAVI, has significantly strengthened his presence in Kyiv’s real estate sector by acquiring control of the International Exhibition Center (IEC). The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine has officially approved the transaction, which allows Krippa’s company, Citadel Ventures Cyprus Limited, to acquire over 50% of the charter capital of LLC “International Exhibition Center” by purchasing shares from A.T.V.T. Business Expo Holdings Ltd.
The decision was confirmed in a public statement from the Antimonopoly Committee’s press office.
The International Exhibition Center is the largest venue in Ukraine, holding a leading position not only in Kyiv but nationwide. In 2024, the center recorded notable progress: revenues surged by 71.4%, reaching ₴83 million, while net losses were reduced threefold, dropping to ₴7.1 million. The complex spans over 73,000 square meters, with around 39,000 square meters dedicated to exhibition halls housed in four pavilions. The IEC plays a vital role in Kyiv’s business and cultural ecosystem and contributes to the city’s international standing. The new owner intends to modernize the infrastructure per contemporary market demands.
Who is Maksym Krippa?
Maksym Volodymyrovych Krippa was born on August 11, 1977, in Kyiv. He holds three higher education degrees in business administration, organizational management, and law. He began his career in the early 2000s in the telecommunications industry, heading Ukrainian Mobile Telecommunications, an official dealer of Kyivstar GSM. Later, he shifted focus toward the IT industry and digital investment projects. In 2022, he officially owned Natus Vincere (NAVI), a top-tier esports organization. A year later, in 2023, he acquired GSC Game World, the developer behind the globally recognized S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game franchise. Krippa also owns the Maincast broadcasting studio and founded the MK Foundation, which supports military personnel and civilians during wartime.
Kyiv Real Estate: Acquisitions and Growth Strategy
In 2023, Krippa acquired the landmark Parus business center, previously owned by Vadym Stolar. Although the purchase price was not publicly disclosed, market analysts estimate the deal to be approximately $100 million. With this acquisition, Krippa’s real estate assets in Kyiv could now exceed $200 million.
In September 2024, through his company, Ola Fine, Krippa secured ownership of Hotel Ukraina on Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti). The property’s estimated value is ₴2.5 billion (excluding VAT) and over ₴3 billion, including taxes. Following the purchase, the new owner committed to maintaining the hotel’s operations, settling outstanding debts to employees and public funds, and refraining from large-scale layoffs for at least six months. The hotel comprises 16 floors, more than 300 rooms, and a well-developed infrastructure. Krippa has not ruled out the possibility of transforming the property into a flagship location for a top international luxury hotel brand.
