Sistema's IPO on the LSE
The Corporation raises $1.56 bn through an IPO on the London Stock Exchange. Sistema's global depositary receipts (GDRs) are listed under the SSA ticker symbol.
Sistema starts trading on the MSE
The Moscow Stock Exchange starts trading in Sistema's ordinary shares under under the SIST ticker symbol.
Fixed telecom assets consolidation
Sistema completed the consolidation of its fixed-line telecom assets at Comstar — United TeleSytems. The consolidation resulted in Comstar – UTS holding controlling stakes in MGTS (55.62%) and alternative operators MTU-Inform (99%), Telmos (100%), and MTU-Intel (100%).
Broadband revolution in Moscow
MTU-Intel (subsequently – COMSTAR-Direct) makes a revolution on the Moscow mass internet market, starting to provide broadband internet and interactive TV services under the Stream brand. It took the provider less than a year to become the leader in the broadband segment, with over 100,000 users.
Investment in DTV and CTV
Sistema acquired 74% share in Digital TV and Radio Broadcasting (CTV) which built the basis for the Corporation's media business.
High-tech holding was founded
The consolidation of Kvazar-Mikro and SITRONICS under Scientific Centre Concern's management resulted in establishment of the high-tech holding SITRONICS OJSC.
Sistema acquires stakes in Bashkir fuel & energy companies
Sistema acquires $502.9 mn worth of minority stakes in Bashkir fuel and energy companies, including Bashneft and Bashkirenergo. It later buys additional stakes worth $96.8 mn.
Sistema's stakes in MTS and MBRD increased
Sistema increased its shareholding in MTS to 52.8% and in the MBRD to 98.9%.