Russian kicksharing service Whoosh withdraws request to buy Urent, could file a new one
MOSCOW. Feb 10 (Interfax) - PJSC Whoosh Holding, the parent company of the Whoosh kicksharing service, has withdrawn an original request filed with the Federal Anti-monopoly Service for clearance to UrentBike.ru LLC, operator of the Urent brand and part of MTS group's Erion holding portfolio, but is thinking of making a new request, the company said in a statement.
The decision follows an in-person review by the FAS of the request for the potential acquisition of Urent.
"Following the review, the company decided to withdraw the request. The company will consider filing a new request regarding this transaction," Whoosh said.
Whoosh said it was still looking at various strategic development scenarios, focusing on operating efficiency, business model sustainability and creating long-term value for users and shareholders. The company views M&A deals as one possible means of delivering its strategy.
The company also said it had not yet signed any binding documents regarding the potential transaction.
Interfax has asked Urent to comment.
Whoosh Holding's shares rose 5.3% to 95.88 rubles on the Moscow Exchange following news the petition had been withdrawn.
Whoosh filed its request with the FAS at the end of January. The FAS at the time issued a "statement of circumstances on the petitions" of the companies, warning of a possible restriction of competition in the kicksharing market in the event of a merger
The number of petitions filed and the configuration of the deal have not been disclosed.
Whoosh has confirmed merger talks with UrentBike.ru, but said no binding documents had been signed.
Whoosh operates in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Chile and Columbia. Its kicksharing revenue fell 13.9% in January-September to 10.8 billion rubles.
Urent operates in 202 locations in Russia and has a fleet of more than 160,000 scooters. The company's gross merchandise value grew by 22% to 13 billion rubles in the first nine months of 2025.
