OREANDA-NEWS. April 22, 2013. Sberbank of Russia and MMC Norilsk Nickel have entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement. The agreement was signed by Herman Gref, Chairman of the Board, CEO, Sberbank of Russia, and Vladimir Potanin, General Director of MMC Norilsk Nickel.

The agreement envisages a full-scale expansion of cooperation between Sberbank and Norilsk Nickel, including Sberbank’s provision of a complete range of banking services to Norilsk Nickel.

“The agreement that we have signed takes the cooperation between Sberbank and Norilsk Nickel to a new level,” remarked Herman Gref. “The combination of our experience and resources will promote the growth of both of our businesses and the development of the Russian economy as a whole.”

“Sberbank and MMC Norilsk Nickel are joined by long-standing partnership relations,” stated Vladimir Potanin. “And we hope that our relationship will continue to develop and strengthen. Currently MMC Norilsk Nickel is seriously working on optimising the structure and cost of its capital. With Sberbank as a strategic partner this process will definitely be much more effective.”

The agreement was signed during The Russia Forum, a landmark annual business event that focuses on Russia and takes place in Moscow. The Forum is organised by Sberbank of Russia.