Today in Russian Business – Nov 18, 2010

A pleasant surprise for Yevroset founder, Yevgeny Chichvarkin, as a jury has acquitted nine former company employees on kidnapping charges, which Chichvarkin’s lawyer has suggested is a reason to drop related charges against the exiled communications tycoon.  One analyst quoted by the FT suggests that the verdict represents a ‘small victory for Russia’s judicial system’.  Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina has announced that the government hopes to raise a total of $32 billion from its privatization program by 2013.  The details of the ‘biggest and most attractive‘ companies to be sold off can be found on Reuters.  In what way is Brazil ‘fashionable’ and Russia not?  Finnish cell phone giant Nokia has agreed to build a research facility at the Skolkovo high-tech innovation center.  Digital Sky Technologies Chairman Yuri Milner is apparently eyeing up Twitter.  The Financial Times examines the fortunes of the investor who is popular among Internet entrepreneurs.  The billionaire owner of Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel has agreed to buy a property development in Moscow’s new financial district from Yelena Baturina, wife of the ousted Moscow mayor, for around $40 million.