The VARUS supermarket chain has officially announced the acquisition of KOLO, one of Ukraine’s largest convenience retail operators. The transaction was officially signed on August 4.

Following the completion of the deal, the combined network will comprise 374 stores, with a workforce of more than 9,000 employees. The acquisition will strengthen VARUS’ presence in the convenience store segment and marks an important milestone in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Over the years, KOLO has built a strong and recognizable brand while developing significant expertise in the convenience store format. Operating in the Ukrainian market since 2017, the chain currently has 254 stores across Kyiv, the Kyiv region, Odesa, and the Odesa region. KOLO’s stores serve more than 70,000 customers every day, and the company employs more than 1,100 people.

The convenience store format remains one of the fastest-growing segments of the grocery retail market. Consumers are increasingly choosing smaller stores close to home or work, where they can quickly purchase groceries, ready-to-eat meals, and everyday essentials. By acquiring KOLO, VARUS will expand its presence in this segment while complementing its existing retail formats.

“The acquisition of KOLO is a logical continuation of our expansion strategy and an opportunity to bring together the market’s best practices under one roof. The KOLO team has developed unique expertise in the convenience segment, which we aim to strengthen through VARUS’ scale in procurement, marketing, and IT. Together, we are building a multi-format retail network that will be even more flexible, stronger, and more valuable for our customers,” said Oleksandr Bulhakov, Commercial Director of VARUS.

“Over more than nine years, KOLO has built a strong brand trusted by customers, assembled a professional team, and created an effective development model for neighborhood convenience stores. Today, we are one of the largest companies in Ukraine’s convenience store segment, generating nearly UAH 4 billion in annual turnover. We are confident that joining VARUS marks the beginning of a new chapter for our network. By combining our experience, expertise, and shared vision for the future of modern Ukrainian retail, we will preserve KOLO’s strongest achievements, scale them further, and offer customers even more opportunities, high-quality service, and innovative solutions,” said Denys Zdorenko, CEO of KOLO.

As part of the integration process, the company plans to combine the best practices of both networks. Key priorities include strengthening logistics and procurement, expanding product assortment, digital services, and loyalty programs, as well as implementing new technologies to make everyday shopping faster and more convenient.

At this stage, day-to-day operations will continue as usual, with no changes to the way the stores operate. The companies’ top priority is their people. They aim to bring together the expertise, knowledge, and experience of both teams to create an even stronger retail product.

For customers, the integration will provide access to a broader product assortment, new services, digital tools, promotions, and loyalty programs. These changes will be introduced gradually to ensure uninterrupted store operations and a smooth transition for both customers and employees.

VARUS has operated in the Ukrainian market since 2003, developing multiple grocery retail formats, online services, private-label products, and digital solutions. The acquisition of KOLO expands the company’s presence in the convenience segment and creates a large multi-format retail network.

The further integration of KOLO will be carried out in accordance with applicable legislation and with a focus on maintaining uninterrupted business operations. The company will continue to keep employees, partners, and customers informed about the key stages of the integration.

For reference

VARUS is a national supermarket chain operated by Omega LLC. The company’s first store opened in Dnipro in 2003. Today, it operates 120 supermarkets across Ukraine in several formats, including traditional supermarkets and VARUS To Go stores, while also developing the VARUS.UA smart shopping platform.

KOLO is a Ukrainian convenience store chain operated by Aritail LLC. Founded on February 7, 2017, the company is currently part of BGV Group Management, the investment group of Hennadii Butkevych. At the time of the transaction, KOLO operated 254 stores with a total retail area of more than 17,000 square meters across Kyiv, the Kyiv region, Odesa, and the Odesa region. The company employs more than 1,100 people, serves over 70,000 customers daily, and is one of the leading operators in Ukraine’s convenience store market.