Russian Direct Investment Fund Announces International Advisory Board

SOCHI, Russia, September 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), established in 2011 and expected to be capitalized with $10 billion by the Russian government over the next five years, today announced the composition of its International Advisory Board. The members of the Board are:

Bader Mohammad Al-Sa'ad - Managing Director, Kuwait Investment Authority
Kurt Bjorklund - Co-managing Partner, Permira
Leon Black - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Global Management
David Bonderman - Managing Partner and Co-Founder, TPG
Chong-Suk Choi - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Korea Investment Corporation
Martin Halusa - Chief Executive Officer, Apax Partners
Lou Jiwei - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, China Investment Corporation
Joseph Schull - Head of European Operations, Warburg Pincus
Stephen Schwarzman - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Blackstone Group

Kirill Dmitriev, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said:

"The composition of the board serves as validation of the tremendous investment opportunities available in Russia, and RDIF's leading role as a professional partner for the world's leading funds seeking investment opportunities here."

The leading global investors joining the International Advisory Board have positively assessed the investment opportunities available in Russia and the outlook for RDIF.

Lou Jiwei said:

"RDIF is a great platform to co-invest with, and we look forward to working closely with the Fund for more mutually beneficial opportunities in Russia."

David Bonderman commented:

"We believe there are many attractive investment opportunities in Russia -- the RDIF will provide the strong and experienced local partnership needed for investors to realize those opportunities."

Bader Mohammad Al-Sa'ad commented:

"The way the RDIF is structured will definitely change the investment climate in Russia."

Leon Black commented:

"Russia has strong fundamentals that will continue to fuel its growth trajectory and offer attractive investment opportunities. We believe the Russia Direct Investment Fund will help further align U.S. and Russian objectives in terms of identifying paths toward partnership in the private sector."

Kurt Bjorklund commented:

"The Russian market offers good long-term investment opportunities in a growing economy. The RDIF is a creative way to offer foreign investors alignment and access to this attractive market."

Martin Halusa commented:

"We share many of the goals of the Russian Direct Investment Fund in terms of helping to build and strengthen companies by investing long-term capital and expertise. Russia is a huge market with exciting growth prospects and we look forward to partnering with the RDIF to fulfill these goals in the years to come."

Joseph Schull commented:

"Russia is an emerging market with potential for rapid growth across multiple sectors. There is a recognition within the country that a more diversified economy is needed for stable long term growth. RDIF has the potential to play a meaningful role here and in attracting foreign direct investment to take advantage of the opportunities that the market offers."

Stephen Schwarzman commented:

"It's always good to have friends when you are going to a place that you are not as familiar with."

About the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)

The Russian Direct Investment Fund was established in June 2011. RDIF will be capitalized with approximately USD 10 billion in Russian government funds over the next five years and is charged with making equity investments that generate strong returns, primarily in Russia. In each investment it makes, RDIF is required to secure co-investment that at minimum matches its commitment, thus acting as a catalyst for direct investment into the Russian economy. Additional information is available at http://www.rdif.ru.