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Top 20 Most Famous Russian Companies

Nestled between Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, is Russia, a land of captivating mystique, rich history, cultural heritage, and resilient people. However, beyond its enchanting facade, Russia is a powerhouse of industry and innovation, fostering some of the most famous companies in the world.

Read about some unique Russian traditions and customs here!

Whether it’s mining conglomerates unearthing precious resources, banking institutions fueling financial progress, or cutting-edge technology firms, Russia boasts a remarkable array of companies spanning various sectors. This is in no small part thanks to the Russian government which has played a vital role in providing support, guidance, and resources to these enterprises.

This article will highlight some of these Russian companies. Enjoy! See some Russian entrepreneurs here!

1. Gazprom

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Recognized officially as, PJSC Gazprom, Gazprom is a state-owned Russian energy company. It has solidified its position as a global energy giant, exporting gas to countless nations across the globe.

Headquartered in the Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg, Gazprom is the largest publicly listed natural gas company in the world. Operating in over 30 countries, this influential company boasts a fascinating history intertwined with the nation’s complex political and economic landscape.

The majority of the company is owned by the Russian government. In Russia, there are two liquefied natural gas (LNG) production plants. That is Yamal LNG and Sakhalin-2 LNG which are operated by Gazprom with the government set to explore more LNG plants.

2. Lukoil

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The PJSC Lukoil Oil Company is a Russian-based energy corporation headquartered in Moscow. Its operations are revolved around the extraction, production, transport, and sale of petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products as well as electricity.

Recognized as the largest producer of natural gas in the world, it was established in 1991 by decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Registered and recognized as a private company, Lukoil is known as the second largest company in Russia, second only to Gazprom (above).

3. Rosneft

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PJSC Rosneft Oil Company is yet another Russian-based energy company. Rosneft’s operations revolve around the exploration, production, refining, and distribution of oil and gas.

It was founded in 1993, as the successor to Russia’s state-owned oil industry. Registered as a public company, Rosneft is controlled by the Russian government and has its headquarters in Russia’s capital, Moscow.

Its name is from the Russian phrase, Rossiyskaya Neft which translates to Russian Oil.

4. Sberbank

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Sberbank is a Russian financial services and banking company based in Moscow. It is a public state-owned company that while operating internationally, has major operations mostly in post-Soviet countries.

The company was founded in 1991 following the reorganization of the Savings Bank of Russia (RSFSR). With the support of the Russian government, Sberbank has expanded significantly becoming one of the largest companies not only in Russia but Europe as well, operating in over 20 countries.

Over the years, Sberbank has evolved into a multifaceted institution offering a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, asset management, and digital innovations.

It is known for its innovative approach, developing groundbreaking products and services, such as Sberbank Online, a cutting-edge digital banking platform that revolutionized the industry.

5. X5 Group

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Previously known as the X5 Retail Group, the X5 Group is also infamously known as X5. X5 is a prominent food retail and grocery shop that has captured the attention of both investors and consumers.

Founded in 2006 as a result of the union of two other retail establishments, Pyaterochka and Perekrestok. The Moscow-based stores have become Russia’s top retail behemoth throughout the years.

Convenience stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, online shopping platforms, and a parcel delivery service called 5Post are among the retail formats it is renowned for operating. The X5 Group has operations in over 15 nations, including Belarus and Kazakhstan, two of Russia’s neighbors.

6. Russian Railways

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Russian Railways, commonly known as RZD, stands as a towering symbol of Russia’s vast transportation network. As the largest rail network in the world, Russian Railways operates across a sprawling expanse, connecting not only major cities within Russia but also reaching numerous countries beyond its borders.

It has a fleet of over 20,000 locomotives and an extensive track network that facilitates the movement of goods and passengers across the vast Eurasian landmass. While primarily state-owned, Russian Railways has also embraced privatization by inviting foreign investment and engaging in joint ventures to enhance its operations.

The Moscow-based company was founded in 2003 following the reforms to Russia’s Federal Law on Railway Transport.

7. Rostec

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Rostec is a Russian technology and defense company based in Moscow. The company’s official name is ‘State Corporation for Assistance to Development, Production, and Export of Advanced Technology Industrial Product Rostec’.

Yeah, that name’s a mouthful! It was established in 2007 by President Vladimir Putin when he passed a federal law to start a state corporation called Rostekhnologii.

With its headquarters in Moscow, Rostec boasts a vast network spanning more than 60 countries worldwide. It is a diverse conglomerate that engages in various sectors, including aerospace, electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and armaments.

Some of its famous products include the advanced Sukhoi and MiG fighter aircraft, Kalashnikov rifles, and the highly regarded S-400 missile defense system.

8. VTB Bank

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VTB Bank is a banking and financial services company with a rich history and global presence. Owned by the Russian state, VTB offers a wide range of financial services, including retail and corporate banking, investment banking, asset management, and insurance.

It was founded in 1990 by the Ministry of Finance as a limited liability company. VTB was founded to carry out Russia’s foreign trade operations and promote Russia’s integration into the global economy.

The company was previously known as ‘Vneshtorgbank, Внешторгбанк’ which translates to ‘International Trade Bank’. It has its headquarters in Moscow Russia and has some significant setups in various federal districts of Russia including St. Petersburg.

9. Magnit

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Magnit is yet another giant retail company based in Krasnodar, Russia. What sets Magnit apart is its relentless commitment to customer satisfaction and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the market.

Magnit was founded in 1994 by Sergey Galitsky, a visionary entrepreneur. Over the years it has grown to become one of Russia’s largest retail chains.

It currently operates in multiple countries beyond Russia including Armenia, and Kazakhstan. The company went from a private enterprise to a public one in 2006.

10. Surgutneftegas

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Surgutneftegas is a prominent energy company dealing with oil and gas. It was created in 1993 following the merging of several previously state-owned companies with oil and gas reserves.

Surgutneftegas is recognized for its expertise in developing vast oil reserves and implementing advanced technologies to extract valuable resources.

While it is a private company, it is worth noting that it has close ties to the Russian government and is considered to have strong state influence in its operations.

11. Inter RAO

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Known officially as Joint Stock Company Inter RAO UES, Inter RAO is an energy company with headquarters in Moscow Russia. It is a state-owned enterprise, functioning under the guidance of the Russian government.

Inter RAO was established in 1997 by the Russian government and it was intended to focus on international energy trading. It currently operates in over 30 countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Turkey.

12. Transneft

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Established in 1993 by the Russian government, Transneft is a pipeline transport company. It stands as a vital force in the global oil transportation industry.

While it was established to serve Russia, Transneft has expanded its reach to become a major player in international markets. The Moscow-based business has operations in several nations, including China, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus.

80% of the oil produced in Russia is transported and distributed by Transneft, which is in charge thanks to its network of more than 70,000 kilometers (43,000 miles) of pipelines.

Seeing how impressive the Transneft headquarters are, here are some more impressive Russian buildings!

13. Polyus

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Polyus is a gold mining company based in Moscow, Russia. It was founded in 2006 as Polyus Gold, a spinoff of nickel and palladium mining company Norilsk Nickel.

Polyus is recognized as the largest gold producer in Russia and among the top 10 globally. Registered as a public company, Polyus is controlled by Said Kerimov, the son of Russian billionaire and politician, Suleyman Kerimov.

Polyus is known for its flagship mine, Olimpiada, which boasts significant gold reserves and contributes to its impressive production output.

Read about some very fascinating fact on gold here!

14. Volkswagen Group Rus

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The Volkswagen Group Rus is an automotive manufacturer with ties to the infamous German company, Volkswagen. It was formed in 2003 as an importer of Volkswagen materials in Russia.

It became a separate entity in 2006 following the opening of a Volkswagen factory in Kaluga, near Moscow. With a focus on manufacturing and selling automobiles, Volkswagen Group Rus offers a diverse range of vehicles catering to various segments and customer preferences.

Some of the company’s known products include the Volkswagen Polo, versatile Tiguan, and stylish Passat, among others. 

See some interesting facts about cars here!

15. Novatek

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Novatek is an energy company, that produces natural gas. Novatek focuses on the exploration, production, and marketing of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons, employing cutting-edge technologies to extract resources efficiently and sustainably.

Established in 1994 by Leonid Mikhelson and headquartered in Moscow, Russia, the company operates across numerous countries, showcasing its international reach. The company’s accomplishments include the development of the Yamal LNG project, which has positioned Novatek as a significant global supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

16. Alrosa

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Alrosa is a conglomerate of diamond mining companies based in Mirny, Sakha Republic, Russia. The companies in this group specialize in the exploration, mining, manufacture, and sale of diamonds.

As a matter of volume, Alrosa is the largest diamond mining company not only in Europe but the entire world. The Alrosa was founded in 1992 although its history dates back to 1954 in the Soviet Union.

This was after the discovery of the first diamond deposits, the kimberlite pipe Zarnitsa. As the largest diamond mining company in the world, Alrosa holds a staggering market share and is known for producing high-quality diamonds coveted by jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.

17. Rostelecom

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Rostelecom is a telecommunications company that provides digital services in and beyond Russia for personal and professional purposes. Founded in 1993, Rostelecom emerged from the reorganization of the Ministry of Communications of the USSR

Services offered include voice, data, and video communications, as well as internet access and digital television. Rostelecom also connects various networks for long-distance services. Therefore, any network connections in, from, and to Russia that involve multiple providers have Rostelecom involved.

18. Severstal

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Since its founding, Severstal has become a prominent name in the steel sector. It excels at several links in the chain of making steel, including mining, manufacturing, and distribution.

After Boris Yeltsin, the Russian president at the time, issued a decree, Severstal was established in 1993. It was created from the 1947 construction of the government-owned Cherepovets Iron and Steel Complex.

Due to its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies, Severstal has grown into a multinational corporation with a reach spanning over 20 countries.

19. VimpelCom

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PJSC VimpelCom is a Russian-based telecommunications company based in Moscow Russia. It was founded in 1992 and is regarded as the second-largest telecom operator in Russia.

VimpelCom provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, mobile internet, digital TV, and innovative digital solutions. It is a far-reaching company that has reached several countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan.

One of its biggest brands is Beeline which was launched as the company was founded.

20. Tatneft

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Tafnet is yet another in a long line of Russian oil and gas companies. It was founded in 1950, in the city of Almetyevsk, Russia where it is still headquartered.

Originally focused on oil exploration and production, the company swiftly grew into a major player in the global energy industry. Today, Tatneft operates not only in Russia but also in numerous countries worldwide, solidifying its international presence.

Tatneft is also involved in production and marketing, manufacturing of equipment, engineering, procurement, and construction services for oil and gas projects further diversifying its portfolio.

In conclusion, these Russian industry leaders prove just how formidable Russia is. However, it’s important to note that the list we have uncovered is but a glimpse into the vast expanse of Russian enterprise. Beyond the confines of this article, there exist countless other remarkable companies in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and beyond.

Discover some famous Russian people here!