Предприниматель | Информационно-аналитический журнал - Part 125

Protection from collectors

July 19th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

What you should know the debtor: the difference between the structures and civilized “black collectors,” and how to talk to them.

You’ve heard horror stories about the visits of collectors: that appear suddenly, threatened, intimidated even. In fact, far from it – very frightened, cornered a man is unlikely to want to continue contacts and, consequently, will not give money. In this article I am going to offer some advice indebted, for which “took” collectors.

A. From the opening bell collector, check its “legality”. The agency must contract with the bank to transfer debt. Information can be obtained from the bank or to request documents in the agency. “Illegal” collectors may not have legal grounds to contact you.

You have every right to make sure that the caller is indeed a collection agency employee. Specify the name of the agency’s name and the name of the caller, and always – the basis for working with your debt. Do not be amiss to ask – have remained unchanged whether the requisites for the loan. These agents and the company he represents, will be useful if you have to give them a complaint.

Two. Need to know the amount of the debt and to find out whether he calculated. You should request the bank details on the personal account and an extract from it. After receiving the data, take your contract with the bank yourself and try to recalculate the amount of debt.

Three. The general advice when talking to the collector: do not panic and do not conflict. Tune in to a constructive conversation. An employee agency has no problem “push” on the debtor, his goal – to return money to its client (the bank), and it is important to agree with you. Offer to reallocate debt, offer to make you comfortable repayment schedule. The agent would rather the small monthly deductions from salary than require payment of all sums “to the Future”.

There is little psychological tricks that can be used when communicating with the staff of the collection agency. Suggest you refer to by their first names, no middle name, it assumes an increase in the level of confidence. Ask about the possibility of a personal meeting – many accustomed to the important issues addressed in the telephone conversation. For example, you may be uncomfortable to discuss your debts with your family or at work.

How sadly aware, but in practice the process of communicating with the debtor is almost the opposite. Indebted bank customers need to speak with a representative of the bank, not wanting to talk to a third party. May simply make a phone agency “black list”, to ignore or drop calls. From the standpoint of the psychology of this is logical – people do not want to talk about their problems. But this is fundamentally not the right approach. Now that the bank sought the services of debt collection company, the more contact you, he will not. Therefore, avoid contact with the agency – is simply to delay the solution of the problem. It is also fraught with increasing amounts of debt, as long as you pull the time extends accrued penalties and interest.

4. Even if you do not have the financial ability to repay debt, it is better to get in touch with agents of the collection company. Life situations are different, and for the collector it is important to find an individual approach to each payer. Not because the collector is human, but because that will increase the chances of return to duty. No need to ask the bank to defer – so you’re just wasting your time in vain. Try to explain your situation to the agent. Bring documents that confirm your temporary inability to pay (a certificate from the center of employment, for example). In this case the collection agency will give you a reprieve.

Five. What happens if collectors could not get through to the borrower, and they still come to visit? How should I proceed? First of all, ask the guests of documents proving that they belong to a particular collection agency and the right to represent the interests of the bank (the bank issues a special power of attorney, which you must provide). You decide to let the agent in an apartment or talk over the threshold. The task of the collector in this situation is not to scold you or intimidate, and to establish business relations and negotiations. Talk to an agent and try to use it to find ways to repay the debt.

In practice, our company happens to comes to funny situations. One of the agents, working on-site debtors came to one defaulter to clarify the situation. The man began to tell him how difficult it is to find a job, that life is ruined, and things like that. Our agent questioned the details of the borrower’s professional qualifications, work experience, and left. A day later the collector to the debtor brought a newspaper with offers of employment and offered to call on a number of vacancies right now in front of him. He was invited to several interviews and was soon offered a job, after which he repaid the debt.

6. All the above tips are suitable for normal, civilized and lawful collection companies. But there are still “black collectors,” and they continue to work, despite the fact that their little jars and turn them often. What do we know about them? “Black collector” is a group of individuals who often do not even registered as a company engaged in buying up distressed debt from smaller banks. Their method of work is the psychological pressure on the debtor by phone calls or personal contact. They use all means to introduce people to the stress. This excludes him healthy idea to ask the documents entitling them to their activities. “Black collectors” can cause you to think only of returning the money, or the deplorable consequences of evasion. If they need the documents, they use an approach “should be – true, and no questions are asked.”

As an example, a borrower has not repaid the debt on time with your bank. The case was transferred to a collection agency, which proved to be just such an illegal office. The borrower has agreed to sell a personal car and took the agency offered assistance in this matter. “Black collectors’ bought his car through the front person, and it extended a reported transfer of the proceeds to the bank. Later, when it became clear that the bank did not receive any money, the borrower was no car, no money and the old debt.

Another example of illegal activities of these companies: new details provided by the borrower to repay the debt, not those that are provided in the contract with the bank. The man takes the place of their funds and irreversibly loses, while having no debt repayment.

The main conclusion: In any case, demand from the collection company agents all the necessary documents, check back details of the bank, is reinsured. If you are threatened – complain to the bank, whose interests are represented by the collector. If it does nothing, and you continue to threaten to contact the police. If the police does not take a statement or doing nothing, act severely – write a statement to the prosecutor’s office and serve on the collectors in court.

I would love to, so you never have to use the tips. Just seriously its costs, and do not make rash purchases.

Dear cheapest retail

July 19th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

Disputes between suppliers and major retailing has become a tradition: from the popular retail payment requirements for the various “actions”, bonus and premium rebates, which are less satisfied with entrepreneurs and suppliers. If in normal times, businesses are suffering, that in times of crisis such disputes escalate into serious conflicts. Small firms experiencing shortages of working capital, business networks refuse to pay for all this “stuff”. Not seldom disputes are resolved in court.

A striking example is the trial between the firm “synchronize +”, a supplier of clothing and footwear of Chinese and Italian, and the company “Metro Cash & Carry” with which they worked together for five years. Then the “synchronize +” with the trial back about 2.5 million UAH, that Metro wrongfully demanded as bonuses, discounts, and other questionable payments. For example, do not pass on the accounts (or could not be included in the section “expenses”) paid advertising campaign, which even in court no one really could not explain what has been done on these promotions, it is not clear. At the request of the judge were to bring acts of acceptance, but it was not in response to a newspaper brought the «Metro-mail”, where the posted photos of products, without a sheet or a firm-supplier “, – says Vladimir Minaev, senior partner of” mine and Partners “law firm, which leads into a court and a few similar cases.

We offer you the story of the owner of “synchronize +”, who wished to remain anonymous, about working with “Metro Cash & Carry,” and about the internal problems of the workers:

“At the beginning of cooperation with” Metro Cash & Carry “is proposed to sign a contract in which there is extensive application of concessions, which they expect to hear from you. There are all the bonuses that you have to pay such bonuses depending on the volume of deliveries, paid promotions, or any other charges. Opening a new store network “Metro” – participated in the discovery and pay fees, at first it was € 500, then the levies increased tenfold, to € 5,000. In addition, they often arrange one-off event. For example, a birthday network demanded a discount of 1% of our deliveries.

Another problem with returns: it happened that the Metro does not accept the goods ordered. First name and asking the manager to bring the goods and when to bring, say that he has no use to them. No formal pre-orders is not done, advances are not issued, we carry all their own expense.

Although at first we were happy with the work of “Metro Cash & Carry.” This is a great company, and through its extensive network of retail stores, they can make a good income of the company. But only the best of circumstances. We bring the goods to the warehouse, we ring and tell about it, if the buyer is a moron, he made a mistake, not chosen, it is still our problem, not theirs.

Or, for example, ended the season, and we say, “take out the remnants, or do not even think about the supply for next season.” But we have already booked and brought his own expense produce the next season, it is in our warehouses, we’ll do with it? If the book in China, produce the goods they are 30-45 days, 45 days – delivery to us. The cost will be considered conditional, $ 100,000 in China, $ 50,000 on the design and delivery, for a total of $ 150,000 of products already have, and placed an order taking into consideration all of the network: the specific model, color, packaging special, with a brand name. And here in Metro buyer says that he can not take it. This product know what to do, any of its markets will not take. Cost of one thousand hryvnia, and the buyer says – eight hryvnia, not more. Not satisfied – good-bye.

Over time, we have become accustomed, and arranged under their “system” – if you are asked to supply, for example, $ 100,000, saying the $ 100,000 does not work, let’s at $ 50,000, and it will be beneficial to both parties. And their buyers are generally headache – one says to bring the goods in a certain kind and variety, okay, supply, and there is another buyer, with the terminated contract. And this is already refuses to accept such an offer. Each new buyer will only work with their suppliers, with its own rules of work. They have an annual sales plan of only one department of clothing to € 100 million in 50 stores. Naturally, they think themselves gods. If they say “jump”, you have only one question – “how high”.

First, competitors have been more than enough, everyone wanted to work with Metro. During the crisis, wanting reduced. And not all companies have the capacity to supply goods to 50 stores, for the revolving fund must be at least 25 million UAH. And the situation with the delays? Initially, our grace, for non-food products accounted for 40-50 days, now 90. Six months to order the goods from the manufacturer, payment, delivery, delivery to the warehouse Metro, and another 90 days on top. Total out nine months before the earnings from the investment, and this means finding sources of credit, factoring. The stakes in the banks before the crisis, factoring was 12-15% per annum. Then you need to add the price of an additional 9% over this period. And then you returned the remains and implement them as much as the next season – a year later. The probability of profit is practically reduced to zero. Almost impossible to guess – how much remains returned without splaniruesh.

“Metro Cash & Carry” compels us to take back the goods sold. And factoring is a way to pressure, as a loan you can take only Citibank, which has a contract with Metro. It is clear that we have suffered costs by factoring products, and if there is no receipt of proceeds, the bank applies the penalties – fines reaching up to 70% of the loan.

Even before the crisis began to work with “Metro Cash & Carry” was tolerably well, and buyers were adequate. But after a change in leadership the situation has changed dramatically. Then called our representatives for negotiations with the Director of Procurement. It happened this way: he took the paper from the records of all of our speed and discounts, and demanded from us another € 300,000 discounts, arguing that «Metro nedozarabotalo on you.” Then we asked, what will happen to the goods that we brought to order Metro, whether they take it? He promised to think about after giving discounts. This was the last straw, and we decided to break them in the British flag. Working with “Metro Cash & Carry” has ceased to bring us any profit, the sense of cooperation will be reset. Actions “Metro” was wild. In addition to us, such proposals have received five more companies. Even those who have agreed to “draconian” conditions for six months had to abandon working with Metro, because they simply do not have products for next season. For five years, sales of our cooperation with “Metro” was about 25 million USD and profits obtained by us – just € 300,000. What to do when we were asked to give all earned? Who will work roughly the steering wheel? The remaining product then we hardly sold at sinks and markets throughout the year.

At the beginning of our work at the Metro was willing to supply more than they could sell. But today everything has changed. Postponement of payment of 90 days, Discount 26% of our turnover. Now we are with them sudimsya. In the first instance we have won, and I would like to pay a lot. For example, money for advertising campaigns, which they allegedly carried out. Any documents are not accompanied by action, and now they can not even say what it means to our “adverted.”

We have tried to include these shares in our budget, such as their plan. But the new levies can not predict, they are neither baseless. Simply said, the purchaser to collect from suppliers € 150 000, he collects from all little. And if you do not collect the necessary sum, he would be fired, and then work with the new man – again, restructuring, expenses, losses.

During the opening of a new supermarket network – a contribution of € 5,000. I asked, can, will co-owner of such investments? They say that to say that I just shared with them. At the end of last quarter – the collection of all the bonuses, with our company took € 20,000.

Most transactions are not securities, by oral agreement. No signatures, approvals – just put a document which is, in a special box, a cell for each vendor. Do not like something, complain – suspend delivery of your company.

There are only two days for payment, Monday and Thursday. In practice – how much credit the want when they want. And at the end of the month deductions, do not translate anything, but here is the bank demands repayment of loans, overdue totals.

When compared with other networks, the «Metro» the most significant exactions. We asked his colleagues, this is not anywhere else. The “Auchan” levies of up to 12% in our Metro – 26%. And all this is added to the price. And the retail margin is greater than the “Auchan”, about 30%. However, 56% of our costs – OK! So they get their billions around the world. “Metro Cash & Carry” work only with those who want it, just do not want – good-bye.

Our company is certainly negligible. For large suppliers, and they have a different approach. Told about the distillery “Cristall”, when they wanted to take the money in honor of the birth of the network, they just took it, and stop delivery. Then the next day had to go apologize to the purchaser, they say, been misunderstood. When you have a cool brand, a large share of the sales report, you can bet and conditions.

Of course, we would like to continue working with the «Metro». But circumstances are not in our favor. For deliveries to the 50 stores need a $ 10 million, is for a normal start. Filter out small-scale entrepreneurs. Well related to suppliers now Metro is poor. ”

We present below a formal response Oksana Tokareva, head of the “Metro Cash & Carry” on the external and corporate affairs. “Retail trade networks sign contracts with suppliers, supply agreements with the specific elements of service contracts in which the prescribed conditions for discounts. This is not a trade secret, everybody knows about it. The essence of the provision of discounts and services that it can significantly reduce the price of the consumer, based on the optimization of business processes, maloraskhodnuyu and efficient operation of retail supermarket network, a high rate of turnover of sales. This activity is beneficial to us and to suppliers, particularly large enterprises and large producers. All discounts offered by suppliers, are in print and electronic form and pass through the accounting department. The amount of payment varies based discounts. We operate in full compliance with valid legislation.

Controversial issues of supply, which can be solved through the courts, often associated with the wrong paperwork suppliers. The number of our suppliers – about five thousand. All calculations were performed in automatic mode, if the suppliers have provided time to correct invoicing. All requirements for their design are registered in the supply contracts. Unfortunately for us, in practice, not all providers adhere to established rules. We also happen to differences over the number of products brought to the warehouse, from which stem from the complexity of payment. This happens when we ordered products in one volume, and deliver it in less. Then do not agree to supply documents and receipt of goods, which reflect the actual volume of goods which have arrived to us. Despite this, we do not consider such disputes difficult, it is normal for the activities of a large company. We did not find serious problems in the “Metro Cash & Carry” with suppliers, which may affect our cooperation.

Three mistakes novice VC

July 18th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

What to look out for investing in startups?

Overabundance of positive expectations

Invest Advises Director fund Mint Capital, Kirill Veselov. Experience in the company – six years on the board of directors, “Monet”, “A-Dept ‘and’ JCB ‘,’ companies that are part of a portfolio Mint Capital.

“The most popular mistake novice investors is overpriced potential cases and increased optimism. Of course, there must be confidence in the entrepreneur, but it should not be a bias in the estimate of future profitability of the project. The purpose of the client – to get money for the business on which he relies. Your goal as an investor – to make a profit for the money invested. For an unbiased assessment of the project at the stage of entry will have the opportunity to optimize business processes right from the start.

With all the experience in the work of our experts, too often the case re-evaluation of potential projects. Because of these blunders workload increases significantly, up to participate in the invested company.

To minimize risks, we advise to apply to funds that distribute your money in various projects (five lines). The more diversification, the higher the probability of success. Of course, it is necessary to take into account the size of commissions for managers and other investors to share in each project. If you are doing without the mediation of investment funds, prefer a well-known lines of business for you”

Small portfolio of projects

Top-manager of Microsoft’s Pavel Cherkashin invests in three years. The most successful of two dozen of his projects can be considered Toonbox, Copiny, Tvigle, Krible and ID East.

“In investing it is impossible not to make mistakes. In the first year is no longer up to half of my projects. But the experience of such blunders, I think, too, a valuable acquisition”

“I often get on the purchase of empty promises and over-estimate the potential entrepreneur. The enthusiasm of a businessman is almost impossible to buy, much to the chagrin of investors. Bad entrepreneur is easier to talk to us favorable conditions, it is easier to control. And with a really good businessman work much harder – can not do without the headache, stress and numerous concessions. But the effectiveness of their activities and, consequently, did not differ in the amount of profit for a few tens of percent, and in a couple of thousand times.

Another common mistake can be considered as a small portfolio of projects. Western venture capital funds use the model of “limited partnership”, which is necessary for the insurance of the misconduct of their own investors. When investing money in only one project the investor may get carried away too controlling its operation. A desire to make the business work, even when it is complete failure. And with good diversification (from 10 different projects) can reduce risk by focusing on sustainable and effective projects – it is there and should be sent to other funds”

Attempt to seize the initiative of an entrepreneur

Managing partner of Almaz Capital Alexander Galitsky themselves engaged in investing in 9 companies:

“Man, just started investing, it might seem something of a gamble. But an effective investment management involves work around the clock seven days a week. Work startup investor – this is the work of an experienced nanny for a newborn child, and the money – it’s not all that he puts into the project”

“Common mistakes, I think the creation of business for the sale, transfer of control of the business, trying to get a larger share of the business, overstated the company hopes to take off, the example of Google, and so forth.”

Personally, I am most inclined to take risks. I prefer to invest in projects ahead of their time, which is extremely risky and often brings disappointment.

As a board novice investors stick to the personal balance. An investor should not replace the entrepreneur, working on the subject of investment. If you wish to participate in more activities invested project to look at the startups. If the time and effort to actively invest no more correct to refer to the venture capital fund”

Kaspersky Lab — the first among strangers

July 18th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

Even in the eighties American schoolchildren were taught the right to hide, if the Soviet Union will make an attack on the United States. Nowadays, many children in the United States are trained on computers with antivirus software from Kaspersky, which has been developed in Russia. More recently, “Kaspersky Lab” on the market more than doubled ahead of Symantec is a protective and anti-virus software Norton. But according to a 2010 “Kaspersky Lab” was able to increase the volume of retail sales by 177%, which amounted to 4.45 million copies, and for Symantec number of copies sold was 3.58 million (information from Gartner, Research, IDC, etc).

Working with priority market

For “Kaspersky Lab” is a major market sales of just the U.S., where an increase in their annual revenue is about 60%. Evgeny Kaspersky, co-owner and CEO, says the intent of this provision. “Since entering this market, we set out to achieve good performance and prepare for the timely investment,” he says.

In 2004 an office was opened in Kaspersky Woburn, a small suburb of Boston. The company took the floor in one of four brick houses in the business district of this town. On the roof of the building – the name of Kaspersky Lab, and at the entrance to the office – the armor of a medieval knight as a symbol of activities. In the office of the eye comes to rest past landlords whiteboard with different patterns: a cloud with letters instead of rain, a snowman surrounded reverse oblique dashes, colons, the signs “more” and “less.” In the Boston office of “Kaspersky Lab” does not just sell the Russian program, and continuously improve their collecting data on the activity of local hackers.

Working with retail

Research firm IDC, through its vice-president, Charles Kolodgy, confident in a strong competitive Kaspersky. According to them, to effectively increase sales, “Kaspersky Lab” at the expense of competitors could – McAfee and Symantec, which bet on the PC manufacturers. Thus, their products are McAfee and Norton Internet Security with a brief period of validity installed on the computers, the retail. After a while, the owner of this PC is to buy a new program or extend ended in a subscription. Details of relevant journals shows that more and more people visiting Best Buy – Popular Electronics in the U.S. supermarkets – buy Kaspersky, rather than other antivirus programs.

“A couple of years ago, no one chose the anti-virus software, people went to Best Buy and take any necessary box with shelves,” – says the sales director of the U.S. Department of “Kaspersky Lab”, Stephen Orenberg. He is responsible for promoting the brand with the opening of the Boston office, and then worked there still only two, the marketer and the financier. Orenberg argues that the only thing that has helped to achieve success – is a consistent and persistent approach.

The first sale took place at the expense of computer fans, who are learning new program, and then discuss them on the internet and in the circle of acquaintances. About Kaspersky began to speak. At the same time the product came to the attention of serious specialized media, such as, PC Magazine and CNET, have tested Kaspersky, which also affected his popularity. Then the “Kaspersky Lab” has come to an agreement with retail brokers by offering training for sellers – and well versed in the issue affects a consultant to the buyer a much better advertising.

Today, Kaspersky anti-virus software can be found not only in specialty stores and in supermarkets. According Orenberga strategy to attract customers based on the reasonable prices of products and high quality. Despite this early last year, “Kaspersky Lab” has started advertising on television – on a regional TV. In addition, it was decided to sponsor the Ferrari in the Championship “Formula 1”, which in 2012 will be held for the first time in Texas. Number of funds spent on advertising the company does not advertise, taking advantage of its private status.

Working with local authorities

Starting this year, “Kaspersky Lab” launched the sale of a new product, a package security software for offices Kaspersky Small Office Security. In terms of the interests of the company – the market for corporate customers, who created Pure Total Security package with the possibility of installation on three computers. Because of the large state orders for the software always get American businesses, the department “Lab” in Boston, entered into agreements with regional authorities. More than 60,000 students in schools Garland, Arkansas, and their teachers are provided with protective and anti-virus software Kaspersky. The company also works with the municipal schools of the city Oldin, Texas. Delivering its products to schools, “Kaspersky Lab” can get regular customers, accustomed to Kaspersky, and in the future. In addition, in the Boston office of the Canadian Open area – 40% of Canadian hospitals concluded contracts for delivery of their software.

How they managed to get a clientele? According to Stephen Orenberga, who responded quite uklochivo – “Organizations such as hospitals and schools should not waste time and resources to the secondary issues, such as the supply of software. The cost of protecting the quality and then pay off many times. ” Director of research at Gartner, Peter Firstbrook argues that “Kaspersky Lab” is an overactive competition, and in the future certainly will be able to win significant market share from McAfee and Symantec. A striking example of a successful contract in recent years can be considered a contract with a significant software distributor Ingram Micro, which supplies software to tens of thousands of dealers across the United States. Now is also negotiating with Hewlett-Packard, a major manufacturer of computers on the installation of the antivirus Kaspersky.

“For us it has become customary clash of the forehead-to-forehead with untwisted brands everywhere – said director of marketing for American Affairs,” Kaspersky Lab “Randy Dravas. – It is enough to let us, and then we agree. We just need to get inside. “

Tips for the franchisee

July 18th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

General principles of successful businesses today are known to every entrepreneur. In the absence of large amounts of money needed to take out a loan or lease. To reduce the tax burden is a simplified system of taxation. To reduce the risk – work broker, agent or simply buy a franchise. Properly combining these methods, we can achieve effective results, and as a result – a stable and successful business. But do not interfere with the theory and practice, therefore, consider some practical aspects in more detail.

Creating a business like a driving school car. Manages the car driver (the franchisee), he decides where to go and where to turn, but when an emergency occurs comes to the aid of the driving instructor (the franchisor). It is in these situations is to evaluate the potential franchisor – the experience, reputation, and opportunities to assist in the event of force majeure.

Sometimes, in addition to providing exclusive rights to use, while the franchisor is an investor and co-founder of the company. In such cases, investing your money and risking their brand, franchisor is interested not only in the return on investment, but also in gaining some market share. It is a share in the company is the key to its successful development to the franchisor , because the hand is a powerful lever.

But there is another side. The presence of a co-investor or co-founder leaves to franchise certain limits in decision making and the appearance of a more interesting and profitable project, there is a risk that the sub-franchisor’s resources be directed right place, at the same place cash outflow of resources from your company.

In addition, there is another risk in many contracts of franchising there are no conditions that allow the franchisee to make their activities in a particular area, which means that in front of you at any time can be just as, if not a franchise under the same brand. To avoid such a situation, it is recommended to prescribe the conditions in the agreement the exclusive right to conduct its activities in a particular area.

As regards taxation, the easiest way of doing business means a franchise – a flat tax. However, this option does not apply to all activities.

A wise ruler and strategist Cesar once said: – “The enemy is waiting where he least expected.” Maybe a little thought, you change your mind and still decide to buy a franchise. Ultimately, the franchise – a way of competition, which requires a significant investment in mutually beneficial cooperation that brings success to both parties.

Business and friendship: how to combine?

July 18th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

They vowed not to quarrel, because of this oath, they were successful.

Last year, a one-hour show, which took place in Basel, the watch company “Nika” presented a graceful and delicate skeleton clock with a transparent shell, through which the visible clockwork. Then the co-owner Alex Bogdanov proudly proclaimed its intention to revive Russia as a power hour. It begins with the fact that platinum is placed under the microscope (the base of the mechanism. – Ed.), Then fasten it to the other parts, and then applied by hand engraving, which develops in a unique pattern. Then cut out the holes on it. It looks like a painstaking process, which is the result of crystal-clear case with a “transparent” yet the mechanism by Swiss firm ETA.

At the factory, “Nicky” works 570 people who make jewelry watches with precious metals, Japanese or Swiss movements. According to the agency Step by Step company, which is the only watch manufacturer in Russia, whose business is growing steadily, released in 2009, 154,000 items – almost a third of total Russian production hours. Such success was facilitated by two major factors: the successful selection of niche and innovative control method, which eliminates the conflict.

Business with friends

President of the chain of jewelry stores, “Almaz-Holding” and ex-chairman of the board of directors watch factory “Yantar” Flun Gumerov believes that “Nick” has chosen the exact direction – jewelry watches with cases of precious metals. It’s just three market segments: middle, upper and luxury. In the long reign of the last two Japanese and Swiss manufacturers, the lower niche is firmly occupied the Chinese craftsmen, mnogostanochniki. But since none of them is engaged in jewelery, “Nick” won, and created its own segment.

The four founders of friendly relations, despite the fact that the total business they came to different roads. Alexei Bogdanov began as a currency speculator, but in 1998 his business was a fiasco, he has learned from the experience of defeat and decided to go to school for an MBA. Tengiz Sanikidze initially worked in the jewelry factory in Georgia, then in many other companies for a long time without stopping at any of these companies. His wife, Helen Khitrin, worked in a travel agency, headed by Bogdanov. Once having met together at a restaurant for a friendly dinner, they started a plan for further development.

Key role in creating the scheme of the team played the fourth figure – George Mordehashvili, defended at the time on an MBA to maintain a balance of interests of the founders. It is his thesis was the basis of a “code of their relationship,” which have been identified rights and interests of all participants. So, for example, the document was written, that none of the founders of the “will not claim ownership of the company alone,” the dividends were allowed to spend no more than 40% of the profits, and in discussing the strategy will be adopted “a solution that suits everyone,” in Thus for each had the final word in the field of its competence.

In addition, the so-called Code and includes such strange terms as: “Do not be afraid to be vulnerable,” “does not hold a grudge against someone, to talk openly” and “take care of a family friend, if someone is unable to take care of her yourself. ”

Operation Code

Of course, all this may seem frivolous. However, as it is not strange, the scheme works. In 2006, Tengiz Sanikidze advantage of their rights, and despite the fact that all indicators Chronograph men under the brand name “Nike” could not in demand, the partners have given way to the pressure Sanikizde, and, surprisingly, the risk was justified: 700 chronographs sold easily sometimes they are even missing.

Now the company is preparing to take the next step, and Alexei Bogdanov, unlike other professionals, has no doubt that he will be successful.

For a long time, “Nick” to sell their products through a network of jewelry. However, it is not possible to see the reaction of the buyer and keep under review the pricing policy. In order to increase brand awareness – requires its own network, which will simultaneously serve as an advertising platform. To date, watch brand “Nike” you can see the shops in 7000 and it is not the limit. Especially for the luxury segment, the company intends to produce watches designed by famous Russian designer Konstantin Chaikin, recognized by the International Academy of Independent Watchmakers. In order to open a couple of shops in Moscow, to work out schemes of sales, franchise system, the owners have allocated 150 million rubles for the marketing of the revenue that they have planned for the year to 2.6 billion rubles.

Specialists discovered no secret of their skepticism about this strategy. Ilya Adamski, who is an advisor to the director of the Moscow Jewelry Factory (MYUZ) called the plan “a fantastically strange.” American collector of watches Matt Samik, seeing at a specialized forum exposed samples, was surprised by the strategy chosen by “Nick”. He was frankly puzzled to learn that the company produces over 1,000 hours of “incomprehensible amount of time for the industry. In such a company may not be a single style, which would have distinguished her among others. ”

But if, before that, in spite of constant criticism and skepticism from his colleagues, “Nike” is still lucky, lucky why they should leave right now?

The best way to pay for online shopping

July 18th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

The main advice is to use in ways convenient for the customer who does not bring you losses. Co-owner Kupi.Vip, Oskar Hartmann, adds: “Everything has to work fast, be simple and understandable.”

Cash

Much of the customers in the CIS countries prefer cash transactions, paying the purchase of a courier delivery. Delivery of goods across the country are often paid by cash on delivery – many online stores look like an online catalog with the ability to order.

Advantages: Cash is convenient and customary to pay for most buyers. The popularity of this method of payment for goods in shops – 59% of the total in Ukraine and 74% in Kiev.

Disadvantages: The human factor. In the cash money to bring the courier, the trust which is not always justified. In the newly opened online store www.onovamnadom.ru similar case has already occurred – in the words of CEO Natalya Kulakova had to dismiss one of the couriers, who simply did not come at the end of the day in the office to deposit revenue.

Payment by WebMoney

Possible way to make purchases through the electronic money system WebMoney, or “Yandex”. With the granting of such a possibility you will be able to attract more potential clients and to simplify the receipt of proceeds in cash.

Advantages: Simplify the task of courier – no need to pay to drive to the store. According to Natalya Kulakova of www.onovamnadom.ru, this payment method is attractive for buyers who want to order, for example, the goods at the house to another person.

Disadvantages : Fee to convert electronic money into ordinary is about three percent.

Credit Card Payment

For the introduction of card payments in your online store, you can apply to the services of companies like ChronoPay, CyberPlat, Assist. They are engaged in full service of such transfers for a percentage of every transaction – from 0.8% to 3%.

Benefits : By analogy with the electronic money, simplify the process of obtaining the money. This payment method is also potentially beneficial in the future: more and more customers online retailers moving to cashless payments. At present, the percentage of users was 10% (according to research holding ROMIR).

Disadvantages: We are still not very popular to pay credit cards. About 90% of cards issued by banks for payroll, but use them only for withdrawals from ATMs. In addition, you can lose a lot of time setting up a system of payment by credit cards. According to director of the online store rubashka-na-zakaz.ru Basil Muntean, the red tape can take a month or two and a half – to negotiate with the companies serving these transfers, the provision of the necessary documentation and the necessary settings and configurations.

Payment by SMS

This payment method is useful when working with virtual goods. To make money for the purchase of a client sends a message to the specified number, and the correct amount is automatically debited from its account subscription.

Advantages: This payment method can theoretically use each, which is not the credit card or WebMoney. Now mobile phones provided by the vast majority of the population.

Disadvantages: There may be delay in obtaining money from the mobile network operators – up to six months after the reporting period. In addition, a high percentage of the commission, which can take up to one third the amount paid.

Combined payment method

To serve at once all payments in shops, there are specialized companies aggregate, such as “Robokassa.”

Advantages: The contract with this company will allow you to get any kind of money transfers, including through the facilities of fast payment. Such a contract will save you from self-connection of different payment systems, the company aggregator will receive payment from customers and transfer them to your bank account.

Disadvantages : A large percentage of commission for currency conversion rates and service charges.

Investments and the problem of leader

July 17th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

The main criteria for evaluating initiator startup, meaningful for the investor.

We have been consulting in the areas of investment for ten years. Our company analyzes businesses and business plans, promotional support in the preparation of plans for growth, goal setting, organizational issues. Each year, our experts will find and consider nearly one hundred projects, including those who sent us. As shown in the work of about twenty of them, then we help them in finding an investor.

Reasons that our company does not take up all the proposals, only five. For this article we have chosen the fundamental – the problem of leadership.

In every business there is usually the instigator – the project’s creator, entrepreneur, organizer and initiator of the process. In the circle of investors is popular English term – “Stakeholder”, but he is more informal, and I will use the designation “leader.”

Since the dating and in the process of cooperation with the leader to find out:

Does he understand the purpose of his business?

For the leader needed is the ability to talk about problems, he decides to help a specific project, thus showing a high personal interest in its success. A good leader can be considered as someone who is easy to determine the purpose of his business literally in two sentences and confidently describes his vision of the business in the long run. If the investor does not like the intended picture or description will be confused and unclear, then he will not invest. As an example, we convert to the Russian businessman to the question, “How will your project in five years?” Said the company will increase production of its best products in the world. Investors are not satisfied with this position – they felt that an entrepreneur, this is not a strong understanding of the competition, or does not see opportunities due to its lack of ambition. Now his company continues to consistently produce their products, and even increased its production. But recently (the year before) the release of such goods were engaged in China.

Effectively put it?

Any business should operate “as an adult,” starting with the first stage of existence. The scheme of work and the measurement of success should be accessible and understandable to everyone who takes part in the project, albeit unofficially. At one firm, which we did, the main criterion for success of a top manager was in his own words, “the opinion of Bones.” Kostya (name changed to the conspiracy, by the way, all of them are now working successfully) was the owner of this business. This situation led us to a more detailed study of the business processes of the company, and then to the conclusion that all they have kept on without him, and Costa, nothing happens. For small businesses this is normal, but the prospect of business development for medium and high level of almost zero.

For a good leader is important to understand that the project is not created for the initiator of the business, and to future shareholders. In the absence of this understanding of the entrepreneur to obtain investment for it will be problematic.

Can he become the leader, followed by the people go?

The answer to this question is very subjective, but it can be easily verified by experts. Would you personally work under that person, whether you are clear reasons for his actions, normally you think of his methods work? An indicator of a good leader is the credibility of subordinates and a rare change of the substituents. But his close associates should be sufficiently independent in decision making and are able to cope with their own part of the work. Paradoxically, such an environment a leader always easy looking for a job in other companies. But for the “real” leader is not difficult to “grow” new worthy partners. And if the company is not the normal rotation of personnel, but there are many “essential” employees, it may be to increase the investment risk.

Such criteria are suitable for projects where the initiator and the leader. In our practice, was a case where the initiator of the business was a scientist. He has developed an innovative approach to the treatment of unpleasant diseases, and is well understood that to effectively run a business and deal with organizational issues it is unlikely. We found it an effective project manager, who helped the cause ripe for serious undertakings. After that it became possible to invest in this company, and it works well so far.

Are you confident in the leader as a good partner?

Can you trust this man? Is it possible to agree with him about anything? The entrepreneur, who can insist on its in any contentious issue, not a good leader. What was not impressive business plan, investor confidence to a man representing this plan will be the determining factor. It happens after the next meeting with an investor, someone from the staff may blurt out: “Alex, even though you yourself believe in what they just said?”. Once we had eight months to convince members of the company and potential investors to conclude an investment agreement with us, but because of mutual distrust within it never happened.

Really easy to find a compromise leader in any situation, even where they seemed to be no. It is important to understand that the contract, especially the investment should be mutually beneficial. Especially if this contract is an investment.

Gennady Korban: Lazarenko thought that it betrayed Axelrod

April 29th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

Only dreamed Axelrod — so I ended up conflicts … I get much more difficult, I move around in armored cars and am not in a public place. And Gena strongly refused protection. In this regard, we have repeatedly had a conversation with him. — And you are not inconvenienced by such a lifestyle? — It is very hard — look at the world through the glass of an armored car.

chapter of “Slavutych-Registrar” Gennady Korban referred to as “raider number one in Ukraine.” He himself describes as a “Conflict”. But the difference in terms has almost no value. Corban is known as the author of the most daring, dirty and simultaneously virtuosic raids in Ukraine over the past 10 years. In particular, he led the conflicts around the “Southern Mining”, “Dniprooblenergo”, Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant.

Especially a lot of companies he took for the owner of “Private” Igor Kolomoisky. It is said that later Korban demanded too much, and Kolomoisky refused his services.

But now the famous “Conflict” wants to engage with the same business. By this he pushed the financial crisis and the change of power in Ukraine. But there is another factor. Recently the center of Dnipropetrovsk killed his best friend, Gennady Axelrod . This is the second one businessman, who was killed. The first was Vyacheslav Braginsky, in which an attempt was made in 2009.

appears that Corban himself and his entourage are still in shock. They all say that it would be understandable if the next attack made on himself “Conflict”. But the most absurd in this attempt that killed his partner, who, in the words of the Korban was the only builder, and tried to not get involved in dirty business. In contrast to the same Bragin, who had also been actively involved in corporate conflicts.

businessman knows who ordered the murder — he points to the former prime minister of Ukraine Pavel Lazarenko, who was himself once Korban deprived a large number of businesses. Interestingly, he does not name the name directly, but said the former owner of the Ukraine, “the man”. What is it — the legal tricks (not to divulge the secret of the investigation) or no respect — it is not clear.

now Corban seeking artist murder, and otherwise taking care of the family of the deceased Axelrod. In particular, the day of our meeting, he provided legal assistance to the wife of ex-partner, to which the police came to search. Businessman promises that will complete several projects that have started to his friend.

“Customer of the offense is in the U.S.”

— As a consequence of moving to investigate the murder of Gennady Axelrod?

— As always, it is on false paths. In police work drinkers and non-professionals. Instead of having to deal with these versions, they work out stupid, unnecessary event, seize any documents on the property.

For example, on the second day after the tragedy, they held four o’clock his wife and daughter during the interrogation. Tell me, is this normal? It’s just a blatant lack of professionalism — the psychological, human.

— Maybe it’s deliberate actions?

— No, not consciously. They have two years can not hear what we have told them. After the first attack happened September 17, 2010, when we were with him (Axelrod — “EP”) together.

From what I sounded and asked them to do is not done nothing. They were engaged in garbage. Practiced domestic version, the version associated with the internal relations. They did not want to work with victims.

— I read that at the time of attack were in the car Axelrod’s wife and daughter.

— As far as I know, it’s not.

— In your opinion, what are the true direction, which would have to go a consequence?

— I do not want to sound names, but I know that the customer is the crime in the U.S., and is in jail. Singers, of course, I know I can not. But I hope that know their names.

— You do not name names, after losing a similar suit ( wrote that won the case against Lazarenko media, which issued a statement Korban that this is the ex-prime minister ordered the assassination attempt on him < / em> )?

— I’m not lost. I won all the lawsuits in him of whom you speak, along with newspapers. Lost to the man. If you need a solution courts, we’ll give you a copy.

— Why you did not want to sound his name? It is on the lips, and this is one of the most common version.

— Unfortunately, the investigation is not considered as one of the versions. While not considering. I do not want to sound, because I do not want to.

— is so resonant murder (Axelrod — EP), and even in a crowded place, and with control in mind — this is a signal?

— The execution of this murder many poorly understood. Cold-blooded bastard who shot and at the same time, absolutely poor quality weapons. There are inconsistencies, they obviously planned this crime, but there is a feeling that it has been allocated a minimum budget. Or someone managed to squander the money was “allocated” to the previous burst, and now just “finished the”. We are conducting their own investigation.

— but it is a signal to some people, in particular, to you?

— Yes.

— Or is it solely concerned?

— No. In fact, I just have to get much harder as I move around in armored cars and am not in a public place. Since 2006 I have increased security measures, and I was hard to get.

But Gene did not think that he is involved in a war or some kind of order, therefore, strongly refused protection. In this regard, we have repeatedly had a conversation with him.

— And you are not inconvenienced by such a life?

— This is a very hard life. It is very hard — look at the world from behind the glass armored car.

— When the point of no return came when you could not live otherwise?

— In 2006, after the first attack. After that, I completely changed his life.

“Gene was a man of conflict-free”

— once you change your direction in life after what happened with Axelrod?

— Change the direction of … you can only change is now a place of residence.

— you’re not going to leave the country?

— Maybe I’ll go. I do not know.

— you will release the first works?

— Yes.

— You used to be able to just walk the streets without protection?

— Once upon a time I can. When finished with the enemy …

— Classic Seekers — Switzerland, Austria, Israel. They are safer, or your kind of man is no longer possible to hide?

— I think it is safer. They operate on a different principle of law enforcement, and perhaps even a different plan their activity criminal elements. There are cameras, there are places where hard to hide. There is a clear and coordinated work of law enforcement agencies, as well as civil liability of those who live there.

So I think that in these countries more difficult to fulfill the order. Although anything can happen, but it’s harder, more expensive.

— in your address received calls and threats?

— No, it has been reported. I know my enemies in the face.

— you started on the pressure from the prosecutor’s office, the Security Service, the police?

— I do not understand what it means to “pressure”. I know that lately I’ve been, Gennady and Boris Filatov and our employees have been defendants in a certain OSA called “Agate,” which was engaged in OCD. We officially wrote to the Ministry and Prosecutor’s Office that we see behind us is shadowed. They wrote that UBOP directs requests to various agencies of our names, the names of our relatives — children, fathers, wives. But they gave us an unsubscribe.

For example, some materials that went to the prosecutor’s office in December 2011 by groups in the Dnepropetrovsk region. The first written — Gennady Korban. “Rozroblyaє scheme zahoplennya pіdpriєmstv, Got stіykі zv’yazki s members fіnansovo promilovih-group (well, it’s true, do not deny), scho dіyut on teritorії Dnіpropetrovskoї oblastі i Ukrainy in tsіlomu, pіdtrimuє koruptsіynі zv’yazki in organs that Vladi pravoohoronnih, kontrolyuyuchih that vessels of, stvoryuє dіyalnіst іnozemnih kompanіy offshore, away in the yakі prichetnі to privlasnennya aktivіv zahoplenih pіdpriєmstv. ”

And then — Axelrod. It’s just a mockery. The man who all his life engaged in real estate has never been involved in any wars, always criticized me for it. “Axelrod Gennadіy Illіch … stvoryuє organіzovuє is the number of robot SPD conducting yakі zabezpechuyut nalezhne fіnansovo-buhgalterskoї dokumentatsії on pіdpriєmstvah, yakі zaluchenі to reyderskih schemes.” Well, in the accounts he had understood nothing.

“The fact chislі quiet, far away in the scho vikoristovuyutsya yak fіktivnі pіdpriєmstva s metoyu vivedennya aktivіv zahoplenih pіdpriєmstv on pіdkontrolnі yomu that Korban GO.” Written “spіvorganіzator, active participant should be.” It is concluded that they are simply because I am with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Boris Filatov, a well-known journalist in the city, these idiots attributed to “influence public opinion in the interest of regional organized crime groups.” And made him the owner of the two channels, one of which belongs to the structures of “Private”, and the second — the structures, “SCM”.

Say it is OCD? This is the police? They are professionals?

— It may be that the killing of Axelrod’s for you “hang”?

— Let him hang.

Just wonder how the presence of an operational-search business, where we are and the persons involved are the police under the hood, there is. Maybe it’s the police and she did? Or merged information?

— Murder by Vyacheslav Bragin figured the information that he played a former police officer.

— Unfortunately, it turned out to be misinformation. Artists have found. They are just a finger on the finger does not hit any of the case, nor to attempt to “pepperoni”. Doing stupid things, and do so far.

— Other versions may be? For example, Axelrod had large debts to Leonid Yurushev.

— He had no debts to Yurushev! First, the bank “Forum” — not Yurushev. This is a very important point, because they grabbed for this version, made it almost basic. This is nonsense.

Gennady did have debt to the bank “Forum”. But that was after the bank sold Yurushev “Commerzbank”.

Gennady I do have a judgment on which the bank wanted to charge him personally with 3 million 300 thousand dollars of personal debt. This is the only debt that was listed for him. But it is impossible to recover this debt, because genes did not have the property, or formally he was not there. I personally engaged in his debt, and I know it thoroughly.

Bank “Forum” is simply pleaded in public. A feeling that we needed it more than them. That is, they do not engage in order to actually recover the debt. They are, in my opinion, anyway. There’s shareholder — the “Commerzbank”. When there is no owner, management does not want to return the debt, the soul of this place, he will not. Therefore, the version with the bank “Forum” — false.

Also gone are the version that is some crime bosses, who are here in the city — NARIC not NARIC, someone else. This is also a false version. Because all the crime bosses in this city long ago turned into a housing managers. They did that bullies can be frightening.

I do not go, do not give evidence. But it is not criminal authorities and the bank “Forum”.

— And all the other options that could be?

— Gene in general was a man without conflict. He was committed to building real estate, shopping centers. He loved life, socialized with people, joking.

He was a talented conceptology. He built the “Menorah” in Dnepropetrovsk. It is the largest Jewish center. It’s his concept, his idea and its embodiment.

He worked exclusively peaceful, creative business. The only thing he has always dreamed of — that I have finished their conflicts. And trying to help me finish these conflicts. That’s it.

— Of those who came to the cemetery to hold Axelrod, one can draw any conclusions?

— No, this one does not make conclusions. Someone could, some could not, someone has been abroad. One can only conclude that Kulichenko — full r … but. Here it can be done. He was in town knew and did not come to lay flowers. …

(Pokazuє starі photo — “EP”) This looked something like those places that has built up Gene. It is the center of the city. Kulichenko this does not put his hands. These were the markets — dirty, smelly. Now here the area is lined with lanterns, with benches, is a shopping center, on the other. Type of Europe.

— Then why did Axelrod? This is a message to you?

— No, this is not the message. Just in conflict with this man, he at one time also took part. And I think that this man was very offended at him.

Most widely known structures Axelrod -

Most widely known structures Axelrod –

“It has not all taken away, that’s for sure”

— I found the material on the Donets Natalie Fosdick, who once worked for Lazarenko. It was a phrase that she asked for your services.

Pavel Lazarenko - on the right

Pavel Lazarenko – on the right

— It is not something that appealed to the services. In 2005-2006, her ex-partner Pavel Lazarenko started to take what he believed belonged to him. And she asked me for help, in Genoa. We helped her to finish this conflict. She was pleased.

— Among the residents of Dnipropetrovsk prevalent view is that when Lazarenko “closed” in the United States, there remained a lot of his business. When the business was abandoned, there are many people who want to stretch it. And these people are very against it, if you want to go back Lazarenko.

— This is a very philistine, it sounds trivial. He really left a lot of property — in Dnipropetrovsk, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, Kiev and probably in other regions.

On it there is still a huge number of working people. This I have repeatedly said the law enforcement agencies, but they did not react. That is, it is quite a structured business.

Indeed, it so happened that we went with him into the conflict, including on the property which he had once with their capabilities, we will say so, has acquired.

This is not no man’s property. It works fairly large group of his supporters. Some of them are now relocated to Kiev. There is still a lot of its “Community”, which they re-registered in Kiev. At the moment it has limited funds, and obviously loses any capacity.

Here he lived a brother — Ivan Lazarenko, who is engaged in agriculture. He was until recently the deputy in the Dnipropetrovsk regional council. Paradox. He is a son who is engaged in the business. Mother-in-law — a very active participant in the business.

— Managers of a lot, or directs one person — a son, brother, mother-in-law?

— They have different directions. Brother — a complete idiot, round, square, even. He is so stupid that even the Pasha, he was never trusted to conduct any negotiations. It does not breed two words. This is the “farm.” So brother, mostly engaged in agriculture around some objects.

His son, too, does not possess any special abilities, and also engaged in small business.

The main violin played by his mother-in-law now, some Tsikova Tamara. This is a new mother-in-law. He married another woman in his former secretary Oksana Tsikovoy.

Naturally, there is a conflict, even inside. He has not seen, not heard. But, of course, the family Tsikovoy trying to find for themselves all the residues that it is there. And somehow push the old family.

— What do you think he ever come back Lazarenko to Ukraine?

— No, he never returned to Ukraine. I’m sure. Because the prosecutor’s office there are 16 criminal cases, two of which — it is murder. This murder and the murder of Shcherban Getman.

— Do you think it is provable things?

— It is very difficult to prove it. But we have some correspondence in which he instructs his staff to travel to visit prisons and people who are sentenced for life for the murders. He sends his greetings, money, food. He gives directions — to give them-so. He then wrote reports: a ticket to Lugansk colony has spent so much on the bed spent this much. Question — why?

I have friends who are serving a life sentence in prison, I have nothing to send to anyone. Why does he do it? So, he knows why he does it. It is possible that those who serve for life, never with him were not the case. A chain of people who have had dealings with him, interrupted. And to prove the killings would be extremely difficult.

Therefore, he will never return to Ukraine. Never. Moreover, he settled there, living there was his wife. He had three children there. Why three? First, children in the U.S. territory under the law automatically granted citizenship. Accordingly, it has the right to family reunification. This is an important legal factor. In addition, there is some kind of amendment or a rule that if you have three children, it is a reasonable basis to stay in America.

He never became an American citizen, it is a fact. Convicted in the United States on such articles of non-citizen will never get there citizenship. But to live with the family he’s able to. Either there or in Canada.

— And use the proceeds from this he can? Or revenues, which are somewhere. I do not believe that it all away.

— I do not believe it. It has not all taken away, that’s for sure. Because the revenue it gets here, he’s not in America to declare. It is known for certain. That is, property which exists here, drawn up by shell companies. This junk company that did not show the property and income, wherever they are registered.

To hide this, he created a number of non-resident companies, which are simply the owners. Revenue receives all of its local gang that somehow redistributes these revenues. Some part, obviously, is the family in America, some part is spent on the existence and maintenance of this community.

— What if his motive? If the bulk of the money he had and did not see it. There should be a compelling motive for murder.

— He has a motive. Because Gene was trying to him to conduct peace talks on the conflict, which we had with him. He successfully led the negotiations. And we actually stopped for a moment the conflict. But then the conflict began anew.

The motive … I’m with Gena spend the maximum amount of time each day. And it was obvious. We lunched together, dined together, dined together, we will call up to 20 times a day. And even if someone is watching, say, for me, he saw that this person is close enough.

A motive — that’s what he thought and believed that Axelrod is one of the parties to the conflict. He was dissatisfied with the settlement agreement, which we had. He — is someone who sits in the USA. He believed that Axelrod is it so “spread.”

Corban and Axelrod, along with Luciano Benetton. Photos from the office Korban

Corban and Axelrod, along with Luciano Benetton. Photos from the office Korban

“I am confident that Tymoshenko to this has no relation”

— Are you familiar with the criminal authority “Sailor”, through which Tymoshenko and Lazarenko allegedly ordered the murder of Shcherban?

— No, I do not know and never knew. This man was in a different generation.

— you know something about this person?

— No, nothing.

— What do you think of the very version of the Prosecutor General of the murder of Shcherban?

— I think this is a very real version. The fact that it did Lazarenko, I doubt not there. But I would very much doubt that Tymoshenko has to do with it.

Another thing that Pasha had the right manner to dispose of money controlled by businessmen. He could calm her or Dityatkovsky say, “Here’s details of placing so much money.” But for what, and who …

At that time it was very easy. It is now, if you want someone to send money, the banks require documents that verify the legality of the company and the transaction. In the 1990s, the West has not been all of these terrorist issues, and could transfer money to someone you like, what you want and without documents. Baltic banks have always been particularly loyal to clients, they did not ask questions. So, I suppose, that Pasha could give details and say: “Make the payment there so much money.” I am sure that Tymoshenko to this is irrelevant. But that’s my opinion. There is a corollary. There are some faktazh them — let them do.

— In 2009 the U.S. Court of Lazarenko, you sent a statement telling where you talked to Lazarenko, when he was under house arrest and had no right to communicate.

— It’s true. This is precisely the time when I fought with him, Gennady so-called peace talks. We talked through what is coming or his brother, who is idiot, or some lawyers. They recruited him from a mobile, it is they call back, and they gave me the phone. I kept saying it to investigators. But I have a feeling that they hear the other place.

— As the United States reacted to it?

— We have submitted all applications for prosecutors and the courts. But the court was already at the sentencing stage, which does not take testimony. They have attached them to the materials, but not considered on its merits.

— How Jewish community reacted to the murder of Axelrod?

— How can it respond? Well, indignantly.

— I understand this is a very strong and influential group.

— The Group?

Another building Axelrod. Hotel

Another building Axelrod. Hotel

— Whether or not the unity of the Jewish community?

— The Jewish community — a community. This is a religious, social organization, we can not call it a group. They assembled business leaders. In recent years they have greatly impoverished. This is not a group that has some practical features. It is a place where people come to devote time to rub the different religions and Mays: who said what, who is who won, who did not give anyone.

— What conclusions have you drawn from previous attempts: on you, Bragin?

— The same as now. Bragin is actively involved in the conflict with Lazarenko, in contrast to the genes. He took an active part in terms of redistribution of property, but also refused to protect yourself in every way. All that I have outlined the investigative authorities, and repeatedly, and gave names, and gave who should look for and how to look for, and what factors indirectly confirm my version. But nobody did anything.

— Maybe they’re afraid of something?

— Yes, what they fear? Just the police have, unfortunately — the most inefficient, most corrupt and most unprofessional punitive agency.

— And you can bring it under the jurisdiction of the Security Service?

— It’s hard. In the SSU, I believe, are working more or less decent people — not selling, do not completely unscrupulous, not drunkard. There are officers, they have slightly different bearing and a different attitude to things. But the criminal things do not fall under their jurisdiction. To bring under their jurisdiction, there must be some special instructions prosecutors, they are redirected to a result under the control of the SBU.

SBU able to disclose such things, I think. But for this they must have the procedural ability.

— Have you tried to create such an opportunity?

— Yes, we tried. If you remember, the first attack on me in 2006 it opened the SBU. He was here the head of the SBU Karpenko. He reacted very sensitively to the situation, and how the investigation took for themselves. It is a crime of the SBU opened up to almost Politkovskaya. have already passed on the Russian security services, all data on the Chechen, who is in Moscow, and already charged for the murder of Politkovskaya.

— He shot?

— Do not shoot, and organized a company to order, the dispatcher.

— In 2010, bombed in the “Pepperoni,” You wanted to kill or scare?

— No, I would like to kill. The charge was enough to just blast the rebound went by, and I just hurt. If I had sat three meters closer, we would not talk to you.

— The charge was not directly under you?

— No. I was thrown to the side.

— You no longer at the restaurant do not go?

— No, I do not go.

— Please rate quote: “Korban tried unsuccessfully to persuade him to finance the campaign of Ivan Kulichenko, the team is hard form of Donetsk.” In particular, it is mentioned in this connection, a respected gentleman from Donetsk, known as “cut”.

The mayor of Dnipropetrovsk - Ivan Kulichenko

The mayor of Dnipropetrovsk – Ivan Kulichenko

— The first time I heard about this “authority”. Secondly, I want to say that Corban has never taken, do not accept and does not intend to participate in the political life of the country, city, village, or whatever.

Moreover, Kulichenko — it’s just worthless. It’s just scum and worthless. Gene in 10 years this man has done in just a valuable work. And this jerk did not even come to lay flowers, when they said goodbye. This is my human attitude, not political. I do not know what he is the team — “Donetsk” or “Donetsk”. I do not care.

— you announced one million reward for information about the killer. Why, if you know the customer?

— I know the customer, and want to take artist. Because the singer give me a procedural opportunity to come to the customer. And the money we pay for the performer. We’ll pay more if necessary.

— How can you guarantee the security of the person who contact you with information? You probably listen to all sides.

— We can guarantee the security, trust me. If the information is accurate and will help you find the perpetrators, believe me — we find all possible ways, legal and illegal, to protect such rights. But, unfortunately, mostly addressed some lunatics, idiots, just sick people, schizophrenics. We can show you letters that they write. Do not talk about.

— Boris Filatov, Miron Sosnovsky threatened?

— No one threatens no one. Sosnowski did not have and did not have to do with us. On the contrary, is now being investigated by the case against the fact that he shot at the helicopter, which was Filatov. But it was just a drunken outburst, for which I am sure he will be punished according to law. They live in adjacent areas, and Sosnowski started drunkenly shoot, hunt for the helicopter. What an idiot, plain bytovuha.

The second part of the interview can be read here …

Gennady Korban: Axelrod has done for more than Dnepropetrovsk all mayors together

April 24th, 2012 Журнал «Предприниматель»

Daring murder in a public place known builder and patron of the city shook million. Conventional wisdom: in Dnepropetrovsk return “dashing ninetieth.” Police comments on the stingy. They are silent and the local authorities. The only one who agreed to an interview – is a friend and business partner of the deceased, the chairman of the Supervisory Board of “Slavutych Capital” Gennady Korban.

– Mr. Korban, in your relationship with Gennady Axelrod was dominated by business or personal reasons?

– We met about 10 years ago, and from the very first meetings I have deep respect for this man. Very soon we became friends. Business issues faded into the background, giving way to human relations. It was more than friendship, but rather, a spiritual kinship. We had breakfast together, lunch and dinner, called up twenty times a day. They said, basically, on everyday topics. Most went to rest with their families.

With Gena was easy and pleasant to talk to. He was tireless in fiction. Could drag me to podvernuvshiysya boutique, almost by force to impose new clothes, and take away the old, promising to return it as a gift for 50th anniversary. He loved all stores, with a long ruffled traffickers, through which was aware of all the city’s gossip – what people are breathing, and even who is sleeping with whom. It was always interesting. I genuinely liked this man.

– And yet the townspeople remember Gennady Axelrod, primarily as a builder.

– At the end of 1990 in Dnepropetrovsk formed a group of young and dynamic business (Vadim Ermolaev, Alexander Kaganovsky, Gennady Axelrod, Valery Shamotiy and others), aiming to dramatically change the look of the city. There were interesting projects, investors were tightened, and began the “golden decade” of the construction boom.

Gene was probably the most talented and highly motivated. Not for nothing was he who took the most neglected parts of the historic part of town. Think that was a center of Dnepropetrovsk 15 years ago. In the Central Department Store – squash, where the Chinese traded mixed rags, sauerkraut and fish. In the “Children’s World” – a series of false and counterfeit vodka, caviar. And for hundreds of meters around – terrible unsanitary conditions. Now it is clean and spacious European area with two modern shopping malls.

– But some citizens still believe that Gennady Axelrod destroyed valuable architectural monuments, such as “Children’s World” or hotel “Central”.

– It’s not true. “Children’s World” – a typical example of the late Soviet eclecticism. The hotel “Central” – Stalin’s Neoclassicism in the low-budget version. There is no architectural value of these buildings are not represented, and this is not the opinion of the inhabitants, and the conclusions of experts.

The hotel Central

The hotel Central

Another thing that was not all the objects appearing in place of the demolished “Passage”. But Axelrod was not just a talented senior manager of large construction projects, he – conceptology ahead of his time, and the true dignity of his buildings still appreciate descendants.

Shopping Complex Passage and the French Children's Carousel, instead of peace and hotels

Shopping Complex Passage and the French Children's Carousel, instead of peace and hotels

In modern architecture, there are two extremes – either the extravagant exterior of the building is detrimental to the functionality or the functionality of the rate leads to primitivization appearance. Axelrod, like no other, has a sense of architectural taste, was able to strike a balance, do not go to extremes, so that its facilities and stylish, and functional at the same time, but the lack of pretentiousness. I think they asked the vector of urban development of Dnepropetrovsk in the years ahead.

That is the Children's World

That is the Children's World

– After the tragic death of Gennady Axelrod on the city internet forums erupted discussion. Some implicitly recognize the merits of the deceased in the formation of the modern image of Dnepropetrovsk, others believe that all of his projects – pure commerce. Who is right?

– I see no contradiction between these points of view. The ideal building, on the one hand, to integrate harmoniously into the environment, on the other hand, have a commercial component. So accepted throughout the civilized world. I will open a “terrible” secret – even a museum of modern art, built at the expense of patrons, are designed for self-sufficiency. Business – the engine of progress, it is an axiom, and silly to deny it.

Let’s ask ourselves – and that for more than 20 years built in Dnepropetrovsk city officials that have the billion-dollar budget? One or two schools, several Heat Exchangers … And then, you thought about how monstrous objects gives green light to corrupt licensing system? Just look at the buildings on Prospect Kirova, try to find them in harmony. The mayor and the chief architect for the cultivation of tastelessness in town planning has long should resign.

– Leaves, Dnipropetrovsk authorities have not found a common language with a large construction business?

– It pains me to say this, but despite the best efforts of businessmen, the city where I was born and lived most of his life, in the eyes of the dead criminal into a province. Although relatively new source of manpower was called, the financial capital of Ukraine and other honors given characteristics. After starting conditions, we were better than in other metropolitan areas. Because people like Axelrod, one of the first in the country have begun to clear the Augean stables of the architectural “scoop.” It is they, not the city officials have become the new engine of urban development. And officials are mired in greed. True, they did not forget the Day of the city to cut the ribbon at the opening of another object. But in reality, only one in the last decade, Axelrod has done for Dnepropetrovsk more than all the mayors put together – 20 years of independence.

In a normal city, and a normal country, officials and residents would have said “thank you” to businessmen who risked for the sake of the common good of its own and borrowed money, reputation and, as has now become clear, life. But the kind words in his address Dnepropetrovsk builders and have not waited. Moreover, Mayor Ivan Kulichenko, who once wrote the European area and the other Axelrod projects in their electoral asset, does not even come to say goodbye to the dead. In my opinion, because he could do only a little man.

I think if you have local deputies remained a shred of conscience, they should raise the issue of assigning Gennady Axelrod title of “Honorary Citizen of Dnepropetrovsk.” The man who literally put his life for his native city, has earned this award.

– What were the principles of life Gennady Axelrod?

– This was a man who appreciated the beauty around. He is beautifully dressed, beautifully formulated his thoughts, even ate pretty, but it does not get hung up. “The most exquisite pleasure is to add pleasure to others.” This aphorism of Jean de La Bruyere was so close outlook Genes that he made it the motto of his construction company.

Inaccessible to the press, it was easy in dealing with ordinary people. Could start a casual conversation with a salesman, a waiter, a foreman, and for each find the kind words. In the glittering circle of friends honed sense of humor.

And Axelrod was a great mystic. Literally every one of his mysterious creature keeps tracks of fate. When the project is developed the world’s largest Jewish cultural center, “Menorah,” Gene was originally focused on the variant with 12 fronts and 20-story main tower. Later, decided to increase the tower to 22 floors. Did it instinctively, as if obeying an inner voice. And when the building was already in full swing, suddenly realized that the number of fronts, “Menorah” represents the number of tribes, which formed, according to the Scriptures, the people of Israel, and the floors of the main tower – the number of letters in Hebrew. Everything happened as if the author of the plan was driven by the hand of God.

And another mysterious coincidence. Long before the “Menorah” Vadim Ermolaev Yekaterinoslav installed on the boulevard so-called architectural form small businessman, beggars, which became the prototype for Axelrod. Most recently, Gene took me to “own” the monument and asked: “Guess where I look?” I was dumbfounded: a look bronze businessman was fixed directly to the central tower of the newly constructed “Menorah”.

Bronze statue of Gennady Axelrod - Vadim Ermolaev gift on the day of birth

Bronze statue of Gennady Axelrod - Vadim Ermolaev gift on the day of birth

– And why the businessman-fashioned beggar with Axelrod? After all, Gennady Axelrod, according to media, was a very wealthy man.

– This is a fallacy. Gene has never sought to accumulate capital. Personally, he had the money just enough to have enough for good food, quality clothing and travel. He often said: “Quite what I have rich friends.” And indeed for the implementation of their projects, he went to the wealthiest people and how would jokingly asked, “Give me your money, I will make them a beauty!” From here – and a corresponding sculptural image.

In our conversations, Gene often lamented that the oligarchs are often invested millions into dubious projects, development of which involved people who do not feel the specifics of Ukrainian cities. Foreign kontseptologicheskie firm to get an order, offer the client a volume of documentation until the calculation of public transport and traffic density. But not in these papers the main thing – the concept of the future facility.

A similar story exists with the first Jewish cultural center. The project sponsor, one of the owners of “Privat” Gennadiy Bogolyubov approached several foreign companies, but the proposed options was not satisfied. Then he remembered about Akselrod, and soon there was a project “Menorah”. Bogolyubov, when I saw the layout, the author said the idea: “I have no words, it is simply a genius. I will build “Menorah”, whatever the cost. ”

By the way, the events described took place in the midst of financial crisis, and the construction of Axelrod has not earned a dime. That I deliberately emphasize for those who in every nouveau riche businessman sees greedy.

– “Menorah” – a project of world significance, but in the minds of most Dnipropetrovsk it is still associated with the Jewish community. That’s voices, they say, Axelrod engaged in charity work only “for her» …

– Remember that museums, restaurants, retail establishments and other objects of the Jewish cultural center open to people of any nationality. In addition, Axelrod donated to the town library, built by him on the street. Lenin. And he renovated hundreds of meters of urban communications. And then, few know that in 2010 he developed the concept and preliminary design of the reconstruction of the Assumption Cathedral in the square Poor Damian, that is next to the “Menorah”. According to the author, the cathedral was reborn in modern form, but with the preservation of historic proportions and architectural forms. It is important that the height of the bell tower of the temple corresponded exactly to the height of the main tower, “Menorah”. Thus, stressed the closeness of an equivalent of two and the world’s oldest religions.

Central City Library

Central City Library

After the death of Axelrod fate of the project is questionable. However, I can pass it of use to those who undertake the revival of the Assumption Cathedral.

Jewish Center

– Your friend recently there was no apprehension?

– Gene more than once that he was going to live in ’93, so the plan – more than enough. But the bitterness that increasingly have to swim against the tide in his thinking still present. “In Dnepropetrovsk became impossible to build – he complained – no commercial sense, but the authorities are on the drum, and the townspeople, too.”

Axelrod is very worried about the lack of a strategic concept for the development of Dnepropetrovsk. He proposed to follow the example of German cities of Frankfurt-am-Main and Dusseldorf, which in the absence of historical and natural curiosities, attracted millions of visitors, erecting a huge exhibition centers. But such objects on the money only private investors will not build. Requires partnerships between business and government. Unfortunately, the word “partnership” government officials, mainly understood as a “bribe.”

Gene is so tired dull indifference of the authorities and citizens, that his next concept called “Evolution” he presented in the form of a stepped building with the figure of a man walking down the towers – a monkey. It was a signal that the evolution takes place in Ukraine in the opposite direction, from Homo sapiens – the Australopithecus.

– What do you think about the versions of possible customers murder?

– I have already said in an interview with one of the sites that the police, in my opinion, is on the wrong track. For example, delves into the family relations of the deceased. Or puts delusional assumption of debt owed to the bank Axelrod’s “Forum” as the reason for the assassination. For those interested, I can clarify that the industrial and financial group “Sparta”, headed by Axelrod, really was the debtor of the bank “Forum”. She, like many other construction companies went bankrupt during the financial crisis and was dissolved by court order. If you follow the logic of the police, then by now the bankers had to shoot for thousands of executives of bankrupt companies.

– Among the inhabitants are also popular version of the involvement of high-profile case of local crime bosses – “NARIC”, “Mazeppa”, etc.

– Another nonsense. Axelrod has never entered into relations with criminal structures. And then, you mentioned “authorities” have long been “turned into a house manager.” And their “six”, if anyone, and fearsome, is it that the market traders.

– Is there a political motive for the incident? It is widely believed that with the advent of the new government, “Donetsk” undercover officers and security officials “squeeze” someone else’s business.

– Neither I nor Axelrod in politics has never climbed. And we never received the so-called Donetsk group of signals, or, say, improper proposals to reallocate business.

I was and still is only one version of which I have been voicing in recent years various investigative agencies. This and other killings and assassination are connected with a person in an American prison, as well as with members of his family. I insist on this version!

– In the media there have been reports that you have promised one million dollars for his help in apprehending criminals.

– We do guarantee the payment of financial compensation in the amount of $ 1,000,000 for information that will help the investigating authorities to enter the killer. This refers to reliable information (number of machines, information about rental housing, etc.) rather than the conclusions of fortune-tellers and psychics. If anyone has such information, please send them by e-mail antikiller.akselrod @ gmail.comPolnaya confidentiality is guaranteed. Let me remind you also that giving false information to impede the investigation falls under the Criminal Code.

– How do you see a way out?

– If the government and the citizens do not learn to appreciate the work of talented local businesses, will not stop flirting with the bandits and will continue to turn a blind eye to the antics of xenophobes, we spit on everything and go away from this city. And they let him continue to live in their shit together with Kulichenko lzheistoricheskimi and architectural monuments.

But those who ordered the killing, and Axelrod, though not relaxed. Gene was the soul of our company, and these inhuman monsters tore our soul. I declare to them hunting. I will find both performers and customers heinous crime, and they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Objects constructed Gennady Axelrod:

European square, 1990

Европейская площадь, 1990 год

European square, 2010

Европейская площадь, 2010 год

Karl Marx Avenue, 22 in Dnepropetrovsk, 1990

Угол ул. Куйбышева и просп. Карла Маркса, 1990 год

Karl Marx Avenue, 22 in Dnepropetrovsk, 2010

Угол ул. Куйбышева и просп. Карла Маркса, 2010 год

The residential complex «Amsterdam» on the Quay

The residential complex «Amsterdam» on the Quay

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