Moscow, 2 October 2024 – X5 Group announces the acquisition of 100% of MAY24 LLC, the operator of the MAY24 digital marketplace. MAY24, which enables FMCG manufacturers and distributors to sell their products directly to regional retail chains and independent retailers, connects over 200 manufacturers and distributors that supply goods across 65 regions of Russia and serves 36,000 retail outlets that purchase goods for their retail business.
Developing the MAY24 platform as part of X5’s business portfolio will make small wholesale purchases more affordable for small and medium-sized businesses, primarily for stores operating under the OKOLO franchise. The platform enables customers to place orders with various suppliers and communicate with them directly, compare offers, and manage their product assortments. In turn, suppliers can benefit from order generation algorithms and comprehensive promotional tools, while distributors can track promos and sales analytics. In addition, the platform supports integration with key e-commerce platforms. Upon completion of the acquisition, MAY will become X5’s strategic partner for the further development of its digital distribution platform.
“The acquisition of MAY24 is a crucial step in building a state-of-the-art technology platform to fuel the growth of the OKOLO franchise,” said Igor Pletnev, OKOLO’s Managing Director. “OKOLO stores will gain access to a convenient order automation tool that serves as a one-stop shop, integrating both the platform and a mobile app. This will enable them to purchase goods from X5’s product assortment as well as from external suppliers to build a full in-store product mix. A key driver of the platform growth will be its accessibility to all interested distributors, and we are already in talks with a number of distributors who have not yet joined the platform but plan to do so in the near future. Independent stores will also benefit from connecting to MAY24, as they will be able to join the OKOLO franchise with just one click. This feature will be made available in Moscow and the Moscow Region as well as in the Republic of Bashkortostan later this year.”.