Sibur

Background

AK Sibur, the group's predecessor, was established by government decree in March 1995. The integration was underpinned by the production cooperation of petrochemical enterprises from the former Soviet Union (FSU), while Gazprom became the driving force of petrochemical asset consolidation around SIBUR. Although petrochemicals were not its core business, the gas company embarked on the mission set by the government to create a powerful national player in the deep hydrocarbon conversion market.

In 1995, the new company absorbed gas processing plants and infrastructure assets of Sibneftegazpererabotka; Permsky Gas Processing Plant producing petrochemical products and NIPIgaspererabotka, a design institute.

In 1998, in addition to Gazprom, entrepreneur Yakov Goldovsky became a co-owner and head of SIBUR. Towards the end of 1998, AK Sibur started its transformation into a vertically integrated petrochemical holding with a full production chain from the processing of raw materials through to the manufacture of finished goods. AK Sibur subsequently built up assets by buying stakes in petrochemical companies all over Russia, including some 60 companies. As a result, the company accumulated huge debts in excess of US$1 bn with no finance to repay them.

By 2001, Gazprom had acquired a 51% stake in AK Sibur, thus gaining control of the company. In 2003, Alexander Dyukov was appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of AK Sibur, and a new management team was formed. Under new management, the company improved its operational and financial results and reached an agreement with its creditors.

Reorganization