The Savelovsky Court of Moscow has made a significant ruling regarding the division of assets between Tatyana Kim and Vladislav Bakalchuk, the founders of the popular Russian online marketplace Wildberries. On April 17, 2025, the court decided that Kim would receive Bakalchuk's 1% share in Wildberries LLC, effectively granting her 100% ownership of the company.
According to reports from TASS and Forbes, this ruling not only solidifies Kim's control over Wildberries but also includes her retaining 100% of Wildberries Bank and all funds in her personal accounts. The court's decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal disputes following the couple's divorce.
Wildberries was established in 2004 by Kim and Bakalchuk, who were married for 22 years before officially divorcing in February 2025. The couple's separation and the subsequent division of assets have been closely followed, given the marketplace's prominence in the Russian retail sector.
In June 2024, Wildberries announced a merger with Russ, a major operator in outdoor advertising, aiming to create a digital trading platform. This merger led to the formation of a joint venture, RVB LLC, in July 2024, where Wildberries holds a 65% stake and Russ holds 35%. However, Bakalchuk publicly opposed this merger, which has added tension to an already complicated situation.
During the court proceedings, Kim's claims were upheld, and she successfully acquired Bakalchuk's share in Wildberries. "The court satisfied Tatyana Kim's claims," stated a representative from the merged company Wildberries and Russ. This decision reflects the court's recognition of the complexities involved in the couple's financial dealings.
Prior to this ruling, Bakalchuk lost a lawsuit regarding the transfer of Wildberries assets to the joint venture with Russ. The court dismissed his claims, further complicating his position in the ongoing legal battles. In December 2024, he attempted to challenge the court's decision, but the court did not support his request.
Additionally, in January 2025, VB Development, a company wholly owned by Bakalchuk, filed a lawsuit against Wildberries for nearly 10 million rubles, claiming remuneration for construction projects that were halted in September 2024. The outcome of that case remains pending.
The recent court decision also comes amid ongoing financial disputes between Wildberries and Bakalchuk's VB Development. The Moscow Region Arbitration Court recently refused to lift a freeze on 712.9 million rubles in VB Development's accounts, which Wildberries claims is owed due to an unpaid loan agreement from July 2023.
As the legal battles unfold, Bakalchuk has argued that the freezing of assets is detrimental to his business operations. He stated that the measures taken against his company could destabilize its financial standing, which has raised concerns about the future of VB Development.
In response to the court's ruling, Kim expressed her commitment to moving forward with Wildberries and its operations. The marketplace has seen significant growth over the years, becoming a key player in the Russian e-commerce landscape.
As the situation develops, both Kim and Bakalchuk are expected to continue their legal battles, with appeals already filed on various fronts. The implications of these disputes extend beyond personal matters, as they may influence the future direction of Wildberries and its strategic partnerships.
With the court ruling in favor of Kim, the focus now shifts to how she will manage the company and navigate the complexities of the ongoing legal issues. Industry analysts are closely watching the developments, as they could signal shifts in the competitive landscape of Russian e-commerce.
As for Bakalchuk, his next steps remain uncertain as he grapples with the court's decisions and the potential impact on his business ventures. The couple's story has captivated the public, and the unfolding legal drama continues to draw attention from various media outlets.
In summary, the Savelovsky Court's ruling has granted Tatyana Kim full ownership of Wildberries, a significant development in the ongoing saga of the couple's divorce and business dealings. As both parties prepare for what lies ahead, the future of Wildberries and its role in the market remains a topic of keen interest.
