AFK Sistema of Vladimir Yevtushenkov (No. 23 in the ranking of the richest businessmen in Russia according to Forbes, net worth $6.7 billion) is negotiating the purchase of a stake in the Ozon Internet holding with its main owner, Baring Vostok Private Equity, the wrote newspaper on Tuesday. Vedomosti" citing sources close to both sides of these negotiations.

A source close to Baring told the publication that the fund is planning to exit the company's business. He invested in the Russian retailer 13 years ago, paying $3 million together with his partner UFG for 51%. As a source close to the fund told the publication, Baring now values Ozon at up to $800 million, including debt.

A source close to Sistema said that AFK Sistema is discussing the purchase of a blocking stake in Ozon. In this case, the seller can be either Baring or other owners. Ozon's owners include ru-Net, Index Ventures, Alpha Associates, Rakuten, Cisco Capital and Holtzbrinck Ventures.

The information that Yevtushenkov’s company is negotiating the purchase of a stake in Ozon was confirmed by Sistema representative Ekaterina Tsukanova, without disclosing the details of the negotiations. A source close to Sistema clarified that this company is not the only candidate for the purchase of Ozon. Sistema’s subsidiary, MTS, also received an offer.

Ozon was founded in 1998 and currently comprises five companies. Ozon.ru is the largest online store in the “books” and “children’s goods” segments. "O-courier" is responsible for delivering goods to customers. Ozon.travel sells air tickets and provides a hotel booking service. Sapato.ru, acquired by the holding at the beginning of 2012, sells shoes. eSolution creates online stores and other services for retailers.

Last year, the holding's gross turnover amounted to 15.27 billion rubles, which is 73% more than in 2011. Net revenue - 7.77 billion rubles (plus 63%). According to Morgan Stanley forecasts, Ozon's turnover in 2014 could reach $1 billion.

AFK Sistema may buy a stake in the Ozon Internet holding