Igor Mazepa, investment banker, businessman, tells about his investments in Ukrainian assets
Igor Mazepa said his current major investments are in private medicine, particularly the Dobrobut network of medical clinics; cement production, namely the assets of the international group HeidelbergCement; real estate, particularly the GoodLife Park cottage residence in Kyiv’s suburban; and the recreation sector - the Shelest suburban hotel-restaurant complex. Igor Mazepa has also invested in projects in IT and e-commerce. “Yet I expect the best return from my investment in cement. I think it will pay off in about a year,” Igor Mazepa said.
Shelest suburban hotel-restaurant complex
GoodLife Park residence
Igor Mazepa also commented the investment climate in Ukraine, which has changed dramatically in the last three months. If just this summer, foreign investors were fleeing Ukraine, selling their assets at stress levels, then Mazepa said he is seeing renewed interest in Ukraine. About USD 6 bln have entered the country in recent months, according to Concorde Capital estimates.
“The market is reacting positively to the new political course and the quick pace of legislate reforms that are being approved. For example, just a half year ago I could not have imagined that Ukrainian companies would be able to perform an IPO in the foreseeable future. But now there are expectations that they can occur next year,” Igor Mazepa said.
Igor Mazepa also said his expectations are prompted by the necessary reforms finally being conducted, including the judicial, health care and pension sectors. The government seems it will finally allow citizens to trade their property in a free land market. “Finally, it seems a large privatization of state enterprises will be conducted, which should put an end to the corruption of state officials, as well as introduce effective owners and management practices to these companies” - summarized Igor Mazepa.