The International Exhibition Center in Kyiv has become the property of Maksym Krippa

Ukrainian entrepreneur Maksym Krippa, already known for his significant investments in the capital’s real estate, including the BC Parus and the Ukraine hotel, has once again made his mark on the market. This time, he has acquired a controlling stake in the International Exhibition Center (IEC), one of the main venues for large-scale events in Kyiv.

This represents more than 75% of the company that manages the country’s largest exhibition complex. In a comment to Interfax-Ukraine, Krippa emphasized that he has been working in real estate for about two decades, investing in both domestic and foreign projects. He is convinced that every investment in Ukraine is not only about business, but also about trust in its prospects as a European state.

According to the entrepreneur, the acquisition of the IEC was the result of lengthy negotiations and included not only the purchase of a controlling stake in A.T.V.T., but also the buyout of shares belonging to Anatoly and Elena Tkachenko. Thanks to this deal, Krippa acquired a controlling stake in the company’s share capital — over 75%.

Assessing the potential of the International Exhibition Center, the businessman notes that this facility could become a key venue for industry conferences, international fairs, and major events that will showcase modern Ukraine to the world community. He sees this space not just as a venue for exhibitions, but as a center of gravity for innovation, ambitious projects, and open dialogue between businesses and global partners.

What awaits the IEC after the change of ownership

The new owner of the International Exhibition Center in Kyiv, businessman Maksym Krippa, outlined the first steps he plans to take to develop this strategic facility. He named one of his priorities as retaining the entire professional team of over 130 employees. According to him, the IEC team has already proven its efficiency, and now it is important to ensure uninterrupted work without sudden personnel or organizational changes.

Krippa also said that he plans to review the mission of the complex and expand its functionality to better meet the current market needs. This is not about large-scale restructuring, but rather an evolution that will allow the complex to remain relevant and competitive.

“Our task is to make the IEC more accessible, open, and modern. We are closely monitoring changes in audience behavior, studying new event formats and business needs. Based on the results of this analysis, we will make appropriate decisions,” Krippa said in a comment.

At the same time, he stressed that the IEC is currently in good technical condition and does not require urgent reconstruction. According to him, global modernization or expansion is not currently on the agenda, and the main focus is on strategic planning.

The change in ownership structure took place after the AMCU approved the agreement in May 2025. Krippa’s company, Citadel Ventures Cyprus Limited, acquired 50.04% of A.T.V.T. Business Expo Holdings Ltd., which owns a controlling stake in IEC. Shares previously owned by Anatoliy and Olena Tkachenko were also acquired, bringing Maksym Krippa’s total stake in IEC to over 75%. The remaining 24.98% remained owned by the Asborn investment fund.

It should be noted that the IEC ended 2024 with positive dynamics: the company increased its revenue by 71.4% to UAH 83 million, and net losses were reduced threefold to UAH 7.1 million.