Today in Russian Business

Analysts praising Russia’s strong performance “ignore the fact that Russia’s inflation demons are rearing their ugly heads and showing every sign of getting worse.” Oligarchs Vladimir Potanin and Mikhail Prokhorov, previously joint owners of Norilsk Nickel, are parting ways in a saga being dubbed as “the divorce of the century”. The Russian entrepreneur Alexander Mamut has bought the US blogging website LiveJournal. Its Russian users, who comprise 28% of the site’s global use, are worried that the “Kremlin loyalist” will use his ownership to censor the blog. Japanese carmaker Nissan Motors may join in a partnership with the French Renault and Russian AvtoVAZ, although the latter has yet to approve the move. UK Brewer Scottish & Newcastle “could accrue £1bn in benefits” from taking full ownership of its BBH Russian joint venture with Carlsberg. The UK’s Financial Services Authority could tighten listing requirements. One report links the change with the claim that listings from Russia and other countries from the former Soviet Union, “have frequently raised concerns over corporate governance.” PHOTO: Mikhail Prokhorov and Vladimir Potanin, previously joint owners of Norilsk Nickel. (Source: http://russia-ic.com/)