“`html
Dodo Pizza Relocates Headquarters to Kazakhstan Amidst Russia Tensions
Table of Contents
business environment amid geopolitical shifts.">
Dodo Brands, the parent company of the prominent Dodo Pizza franchise and the rapidly expanding Drinkit coffee chain, has officially moved its headquarters to Kazakhstan, choosing the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) as its new base of operations. The move, finalized last Thursday, signifies a strategic shift for the company amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Strategic Relocation to Kazakhstan’s AIFC
The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC),a special economic zone designed to attract multinational businesses,offers a compelling environment for companies seeking stability and growth opportunities. Dodo Brands’ decision to redomicile from the British Virgin Islands to Kazakhstan underscores the increasing appeal of the AIFC as a business-friendly jurisdiction.
Did You Know? The AIFC operates under a separate legal framework based on English common law, providing a familiar and predictable environment for international investors [[1]].
Favorable Business Climate Drives Decision
Industry analysts, as reported by the Kommersant business newspaper, suggest that kazakhstan presents a more beneficial legal and financial landscape for Russian businesses compared to the British Virgin Islands. This is particularly relevant given Moscow’s designation of the British overseas territory as an “unfriendly country” following the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
As of spring 2024, the AIFC reported that over 40 foreign companies, holding total assets exceeding $1.5 billion, had relocated to kazakhstan.In contrast, Russia stated that 500 companies had re-registered within its own special economic zones by the spring of this year.
Dodo Brands’ Expansion and Financial Performance
Founded in 2011 by Russian entrepreneur Fyodor Ovchinnikov, Dodo Brands has experienced substantial growth, expanding its footprint to include 1,300 restaurants and cafes across 26 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast asia. The company’s global presence reflects its ambitious international expansion strategy.
In 2024, Dodo Brands reported a 39.5% year-on-year revenue increase,reaching a total of 117.6 billion rubles (approximately $1.49 billion). The company’s revenue for the first quarter of
