Today in Russian Business – Nov 10, 2011

Sberbank has posted record 10-month profits of over $9 billion.  Roman Abramovich’s inability to remember whether or not he owned the security firm Centurion M, which emerged during his trial with Boris Berezovsky in London, indicates ‘the magnitude of [his] empire’.  The Defense Ministry and the United Shipbuilding Corporation have signed seven contracts worth $9.2 billion for the building of nuclear submarines and warships, part of Vladimir Putin’s ‘ambitious programme’ to modernise the army.  Microsoft has announced plans (together with the Skolkovo Fund) to increase its support for startups.  Suleiman Kerimov’s conglomerate has bought a 6% stake in Rostelecom for $867 million.  The FT reports on Carlsberg’s ongoing battle in Russia against falling beer sales.  Russia still plans to sell a 49% stake minus one share in United Grain Co.