OREANDA-NEWS. National Rating Agency has withdrawn its credit rating on Mir Myagkoi Igrushki ("Stuffed Toy World") Ltd (MMI) due to the company's decision to stop participating in the rating process. The company is assigned an exit rating of 'A-'. MMI was assigned NRA's first-time credit rating of 'BBB+' on Nov. 28, 2011. The rating was affirmed on Nov. 12, 2012. Next year, MMI's parent, Hippo R&D Invest Ltd, was assigned a credit rating of 'A+', which was extended to MMI. On NO. 21, 2014, NRA affirmed its rating on Hippo R&D Invest Ltd and MMI with a positive outlook.

In accordance with NRA's rating methodology, MMI's rating is based on Hippo R&D Invest Ltd's rating model, as MMI is part of Hippo R&D Invest Ltd's business and falls within the parent's consolidation scope.

MMI is a key operating company of Grand Toys Group, which acts as a balance sheet provide and a distribution (store support) center with a mission to supply toys to Begemot and other wholesalers. Founded in Togliatti in 2004, MMI is wholly owned by , Hippo R&D Invest Ltd, the managing company of Grand Toys Group.

The Group's key business area is wholesale and retail trade in games and toys, children's goods and sports goods. The Group's nationwide distribution network is represented by Begemot cash & carry hypermarkets, located in Russia's regional centers and large cities, and Begemotik retail franchise stores operating in smaller towns and city communities. Generally, the hypermarkets occupy rented quarters. The Group has a nationwide and geographically diversified customer base.