OREANDA-NEWS. Lenta, one of Russia's leading hypermarket operators, signed an eight-year loan agreement with the EBRD which provides the company with 4.6 billion roubles in additional financing. The new loan will contribute to expanding and diversifying Lenta's existing sources of financing.

Lenta will have 24 months to draw down the funds.

Lenta opened 31 stores in 2013 and expects to maintain an accelerated pace of expansion in the coming years. The EBRD loan will be used, together with other existing debt facilities and the company's strong operating cash flows, to support its continued ambitious store roll-out plan. The loan will also support efficiency and sustainability investments in Lenta stores.

Lenta's largest shareholders include TPG Capital, EBRD and VTB Capital, all of whom are committed to maintaining high standards of financial transparency and corporate governance.