Lenta is currently in negotiations to acquire Maria-Ra, the largest retail chain in Siberia, as reported by Izvestia. Analysts estimate the potential deal at approximately 40 billion rubles.

The Maria-Ra network comprises over 1.3 thousand stores across five regions. The company's revenue for the year 2025 amounted to 127.5 billion rubles.

The acquisition would allow Lenta to enter the top three of Russian food retail as early as next year, bringing it closer to X5 Group and Magnit. Furthermore, the company will be able to rapidly expand its footprint in Siberia, a region where it currently trails its main competitors.

For the Chinese food market, the consolidation of major Russian retail networks may lead to an increase in centralized procurement and more stringent requirements for suppliers. Chinese food manufacturers interested in working with federal retailers will gain an additional sales channel, but will simultaneously face the need to comply with strict quality and logistics standards. The deal may also accelerate the adoption of electronic procurement procedures, which will require digital adaptation from Chinese companies.