Severstaltrans

Severstaltrans represents an industrial group that is among the largest rail transportation, shipping and logistics operators in Russia and the CIS, and has established itself as a market leader in providing services for the export, import and transit of international and domestic cargo. The Severstaltrans Group’s (the “Group”) operations are defined by three main categories, Railroad Services, Seaport Services and Machine Building. The majority of the companies in the Group are ultimately owned 50% by Mr Alexey Mordashov (the controlling shareholder of Severstal which is Russia’s 3rd largest steel producer) and 50% by Severstaltrans senior management (the “Shareholder Group”). Despite Severstaltrans being a separate entity from Severstal, the relationship is such that Severstal management are represented on the Board of Directors. Originally created for the purpose of serving Severstal’s transportation needs, the Group has continued to employ an aggressive acquisition strategy over the past several years to create a wholly integrated transportation holding company. Indeed, the Group’s expansionary activities has resulted in acquiring stakes in Vostochny and Tuapse seaports, strategic ports on the Pacific Sea and Black Sea, and also a majority shareholding in the Kolomenskiy Plant JSC - Russia’s largest manufacturer of diesel locomotives and engines. More recently, in 2003 the Shareholder Group purchased OOO Balttransservice, one of Russia’s largest operators of railway traffic and specialises in transportation of oil and oil products. With an estimated EBITDA of US$41 million in 2002 Balttransservice remains a key profit centre for Severstaltrans. In the rapidly developing industry Severstaltrans has been able to benefit from a stable client base, including the Russian Ministry of Railway Transport, TNK-BP, Slavneft, Yukos, Tatneft and Severstal (Severstal shipments do not amount to more than 5% of the total shipping handled by Severstaltrans). According to FY2002 IAS financial data, Severstaltrans Group consolidated revenues increased 45% y-o-y to reach US$692.3 million, with an EBITDA of US$117 million and total assets were estimated at US$489.9 million. Latest data for 2003 suggest another robust performance, with sales up 48% y-o-y over the first six months. Severstaltrans continues to secure an established credit history and has a number of outstanding banking facilities with both international and Russian Banks. In January 2004, the company’s credit status was further enhanced by the IFC’s approval of a US$40 million loan to assist in the expansion of their rail tanker car fleet and acquisition of new locomotives. Severstaltrans is currently in the process of launching its first capital markets transaction with the sale of Credit Linked Notes (CLNs) for its special purpose vehicle - Severstaltrans Finance – with 3 companies within the Group (Severstaltrans, Balttransservice and Kolomenskiy Plant) acting as guarantors for the proposed financing. Overall, freight transportation, particularly container operations, remains one of the most rapid and dynamically growing sectors in the Russian economy and through its strategic expansion Severstaltrans has positioned itself to benefit from such developments. A position that is further enhanced by Russia’s vast transit potential and the government’s long-term investment strategy.