The VARUS supermarket chain and the KOLO convenience store chain have announced an agreement under which VARUS will acquire 100% of the corporate rights of Ariteil LLC, the operator of the KOLO stores. The concentration has already been approved by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine. The transaction is expected to become one of the largest retail deals in Ukraine in 2026. By combining VARUS’s expertise in developing modern grocery retail with KOLO’s long-standing experience in the convenience store segment, the companies aim to create a strong foundation for further business expansion. The merged business plans to incorporate the best practices of both networks while developing a unified retail ecosystem focused on speed, service quality, and customer convenience.

The acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen the companies’ positions in the convenience retail segment, one of the fastest-growing formats in modern retail. Consumers are increasingly choosing smaller neighborhood stores close to their homes or workplaces, where they can quickly purchase fresh groceries, ready-to-eat meals, and everyday essentials. As a result, the convenience store format has become one of the key growth areas in both the Ukrainian and global retail markets.

“For us, this is not simply the acquisition of another retail chain. It is an investment in the future of Ukrainian retail. We are bringing together two strong teams, their experience, expertise, and approaches to build an even more efficient company that can respond more quickly to customers’ needs and set new standards for the industry’s development,” said Nataliia Aziukovska, CEO of the VARUS supermarket chain.

“As of today, the KOLO chain includes 254 stores, employs more than 1,100 people, and has built a nine-year history of growth. We believe this integration will create new opportunities to scale logistics, expand digital services, optimize procurement, broaden the product assortment, and implement modern technological solutions. At the same time, the company will remain focused on high-quality customer service, product affordability, and the development of its private-label brands,” said KOLO CEO Denys Zdorenko.

For customers, the merger will mean access to a wider product selection, new services, modern digital tools, attractive promotions, and enhanced loyalty programs. The integration will be carried out gradually to ensure uninterrupted store operations and provide customers with a smooth transition.

The companies also emphasized that special attention will be given to KOLO employees. VARUS plans to retain the existing team while providing staff with new opportunities for professional development, training, and career growth within the combined company.

KOLO has been operating in the Ukrainian market since 2017 and is one of the country’s largest operators in the “neighborhood grocery store” segment. The chain currently includes 254 stores in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, Odesa, and the Odesa region. It serves more than 70,000 customers daily and employs over 1,100 people.

Founded in 2003, VARUS is now one of Ukraine’s leading grocery retail chains. The company actively develops offline and online retail, private-label brands, digital services, and innovative solutions for customers. The acquisition of KOLO will become another step in implementing VARUS’s long-term development strategy and strengthening its position in the Ukrainian market.

Further stages of the integration process will be carried out in accordance with current legislation while ensuring uninterrupted business operations. The companies will keep partners, customers, and employees informed about key stages of the process.

For reference

VARUS is a national supermarket chain operated in Ukraine’s grocery retail market by Omega. The first VARUS store opened in Dnipro in 2003. Today, the chain operates 120 supermarkets across different Ukrainian cities. VARUS works in several formats, including traditional supermarkets and To Go stores, and is developing its conscious shopping service, VARUS.UA.

KOLO is a Ukrainian convenience store chain offering everyday essentials and quick shopping solutions. The chain is operated by Ariteil LLC. The company was founded on February 7, 2017, and is part of Gennadii Butkevych’s investment group, BGV Group Management. KOLO operates 254 stores with a total retail area of more than 17,000 square meters and is represented in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, Odesa, and the Odesa region. The company employs more than 1,100 people, while its stores serve more than 70,000 customers daily. KOLO is among the leading operators in Ukraine’s convenience store segment.