Today in Russian Business – May 19, 2011

Financial analysts have their say about who will return to the presidency in 2012 on Bloomberg.  The Belarusan ruble has reportedly fallen 15% to a record low against the dollar on the interbank market.  As Russia prepares to pounce on the assets of its weakened neighbor, a Washington Post op-ed argues that European foreign ministers should make it clear that this strategy ‘will prejudice Russia’s own proposals for a strategic partnership with the European Union’.  Severstal’s Nordgold unit plans to increase capital expenditures to $304 million this year as it aims to boost production, and the company will revamp its plans for a London IPO as it increases its profitability.  ME, the holding company for Domodedovo Airport, which is 100% owned by entrepreneur Dmitry Kamenshchik is also apparently planning to sell its existing shares in an initial public offering in London.  Diamond miner Alrosa, another of the companies with its sights set on a London listing, may be worth about $5.5 billion, says the Moscow Times.