Russia’s richest woman merges company, tragedy strikes in July

In July, a tragic shooting occurred at the Moscow headquarters of Wildberries, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. Tatyana Bakalchuk, the founder and richest woman in Russia, had recently merged her company with Russ Outdoor, a move that her estranged husband, Vladislav Bakalchuk, opposed vehemently. He accused Tatyana of being misled into the merger, which he claimed was a hostile takeover attempt by him and armed associates. The couple's divorce proceedings were underway, with Vladislav asserting his entitlement to half of Wildberries due to the absence of a prenup. The merger aimed to enhance Wildberries' market position and create a competitor to the international banking network SWIFT. Tatyana sought to solidify her business's standing by aligning with influential partners, including Robert Mirzoyan of Russ Outdoor, who had connections to the Kremlin. Vladislav alleged that Tatyana was coerced into the merger by the Mirzoyan brothers, who warned her about potential state takeover threats. The events leading to the shooting were marked by escalating tensions between Tatyana and Vladislav, particularly regarding the future of Wildberries. The couple's public disputes over the merger and their personal relationship contributed to a volatile atmosphere. Tatyana's efforts to grow her business were met with resistance from Vladislav, who felt entitled to a significant share of the company. This incident highlights the intersection of personal and corporate conflicts in Russia's business landscape, where power struggles can have dire consequences. The shooting not only reflects the intense rivalry between the Bakalchuks but also raises questions about the safety and stability of high-stakes business dealings in the country.