Ukrainian investor Maksym Krippa commented on rumors circulating in the media regarding the possible purchase of the Gulliver shopping and entertainment complex in Kyiv. As the entrepreneur explained in a response provided through the MK Foundation to the publication “Business Censor,” this property does not meet the criteria his team uses to evaluate commercial real estate.
According to representatives of the fund, every investment decision is made after a thorough market analysis, rather than based on considerations of prestige or the size of the deal. Before making a purchase, experts evaluate the asset’s financial performance, risks, growth potential, and reputation. The results of the analysis of Gulliver did not indicate strong potential—despite its advantageous location and significant scale, the property did not demonstrate a sufficient level of investment appeal.
In his remarks, Maxim Krippa emphasized that his team is working on projects for which a clear vision for development and a well-thought-out economic model have been established. The focus remains on projects that can generate added value and maintain a stable market position. According to him, acquiring large tracts of land without a clear plan is not part of the strategic goals.
Gulliver’s Current Status
The Gulliver Shopping and Entertainment Center is one of the largest multifunctional complexes in the capital, combining office, retail, and entertainment spaces with a total area of approximately 70,000 m². Rental rates for space in the building start at approximately $19 per square meter, placing the property in the premium segment of the Kyiv market.
Currently, the complex is under the control of state-owned banks—Oschadbank and Ukreximbank. In recent years, he has repeatedly come under the scrutiny of law enforcement agencies: he has been implicated in cases involving financial transactions, has been detained, and has been temporarily placed under the ARMA’s supervision.
It was precisely these circumstances that gave rise to speculation about Krippa’s possible interest. This theory emerged in light of his recent acquisitions in central Kyiv— the “Parus” business center and the “Ukraine” hotel, both located near Gulliver. However, as it turned out, geographical proximity was not a factor in the decision to make a new investment.
The Position of State-Owned Banks
Oschadbank reported that it has not yet received any official offers to purchase the complex. According to Arsen Milyutin, the bank’s deputy chairman of the board, any decisions regarding a sale can only be made after a number of internal issues have been resolved—specifically, stabilizing the management of the property, developing a long-term development strategy, and conducting an independent appraisal of the asset’s value.
Milyutin emphasized that state-owned banks aim to improve the efficiency of Gulliver’s management, regardless of future options for its use or ownership.
Thus, the widely circulated reports about Maxim Krippa’s possible involvement in the acquisition of Gulliver have not been confirmed. The investor stated that his team is focused on other areas, and that government agencies are not currently considering the option of selling the complex. This case demonstrates that even the capital’s most iconic properties do not always meet the requirements of investors, who focus primarily on rational indicators—economic viability, stability, and growth potential.