OREANDA-NEWS. November 23, 2007. Alfa-Bank will act the sole arranger of the up-coming deal on the purchase of controlling stake of Maxi Group by NLMK, the bank's press service announced. The deal is likely to be closed by the end of 2007. As an integral part of the deal NLMK will instantly provide Maxi Group $400 million credit and will assume the Group’s investment strategy. The parties do not disclose total amount of the deal.

Commenting on the deal Vladimir Tatarchuk, Managing Director at Alfa-Bank, responsible for Corporate Business, said: "We see the deal as mutually beneficial for both NLMK — one of largest metal producing companies in Russia and Maxi Group — the most dynamic and fast growing groups in its field. As the sole arranger will are committed to clear all the technical aspects of the up-coming deal so it can be closed according to schedule."

Alfa-Banking Group is one of Russia's largest privately owned banking groups in terms of equity, assets, branches, retail deposits and funds under management.