Businessman Maksym Krippa, known for his assets in real estate and technology, has once again strengthened his position in the Ukrainian market. A new key asset has been added to his portfolio — a controlling stake in International Exhibition Center LLC (IEC), which owns the country’s largest exhibition complex located in the capital.

According to a report by Interfax-Ukraine, Krippa acquired more than 75% of the company, including 50.04% of shares in A.T.V.T., the largest shareholder of the IEC, as well as shares previously owned by Anatoly and Elena Tkachenko.

Krippa commented on the deal, emphasizing the strategic importance of investments in Ukraine:

“I have been investing in real estate in Ukraine and abroad for about twenty years. And every new step within our country is not just a business transaction for me, but a demonstration of faith in its future and investment attractiveness on a global level,” he said in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine.

The entrepreneur also added that the agreements have already been finalized and now the team will focus on the development and modernization of the IEC. It is worth noting that Krippa also owns the Parus skyscraper in Kyiv, the Ukraine Hotel, the e-sports organization NAVI, and a number of other assets, which indicates his active presence in the business environment.

The IEC has potential for innovative formats

The new owner of the International Exhibition Center, investor Maksym Krippa, outlined the key areas of development for the IEC, emphasizing its potential to become a venue for global business events, thematic forums, and specialized exhibitions. He believes that the IEC has every chance of transforming into a modern space that will reflect the image of Ukraine as an open, dynamic, and innovative country.

“The first and most important step is to retain the core team, which already includes more than 130 highly qualified specialists. These people are the main strength of the complex,” Krippa emphasized.

According to him, the next stage will be to update the strategic approach to the functioning of the IEC: to make it more flexible, more technological, and open to non-traditional formats of interaction. The investor also does not rule out possible changes in the functional purpose of the facility in the future, depending on how the market and international conditions change.

At the same time, according to him, the complex is in good technical condition, and there is currently no urgent need for reconstruction or expansion. Plans for major renovations are not being considered at this time.

Krippa has not yet commented on rumors about the IEC being converted into a center for e-sports events. However, given his business interests in technology and e-sports, such assumptions do not seem unfounded, although no official statements have been made on this matter.

A new stage for the IEC

In May 2025, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine approved an agreement that became a key stage in the change of ownership of the country’s largest exhibition complex. Permission was granted to Citadel Ventures Cyprus Limited, a company registered in Cyprus.

According to YouControl, its ultimate beneficiary is Ukrainian businessman Maksym Krippa.

Through this structure, Krippa gained control over A.T.V.T. Business Expo Holdings Ltd., another Cypriot company that owns 50.04% of the International Exhibition Center LLC.

Prior to the transaction, the owners of the IEC included Anatoliy and Viktor Tkachenko, as well as Olena Tkachenko, who each owned 12.49% of the company. In addition, 24.98% of the shares are owned by the Asborn venture fund, which is backed by Marina Dorokhina, the daughter of well-known Kyiv developer Vagif Aliyev.