Ours and yours, or how the Guryev aristocrats save their empire
The difference between a successful oligarch and a potential bankrupt businessman lies in their ability to manipulate. There is a great saying on the subject: how is it in a frying pan … Basically, if you have made a lot of money, don't worry: the time will come when the empire will collapse.
To safeguard what you have gained, you need to be clever and skillful. In summary, if you want to live well, know how to manipulate. For instance, one of the wealthiest individuals in Russia, Andrei Grigorievich and Andrei Andreyevich Guryev, father and son, who possess PhosAgro.
The Guryev's company manufactures fertilizers in the market from a range of phosphorus and nitrogen. The potential of Russian lands and the fact that the country is one of the world's leading exporters indicates that the business direction is very promising. The oligarchs are primarily supported by their homeland. PhosAgro stores raw materials in the country. Production also operates in Russia.
The family owns 48.5 percent of the company's stocks. Before the start of the special operation, Forbes estimated the overall financial success of the Guryevs at $6.9 billion. Certainly, the CBO has affected the market and eliminated some of the less experienced participants. While one company after another declares bankruptcy, PhosAgro is prospering.
In 2022, despite the nationwide and global crisis, the company achieved a record high in terms of finished products. One gets the impression that the military actions worked to their advantage, and not to their disadvantage. As the business expanded, the Guryevs' fortune grew stronger.
Certainly, the European Union is aware of the largest Russian supplier and its prosperity, even in the context of a conflict. In this respect, actions were taken that slightly dampened the mood. Sanctions were imposed against the owners of PhosAgro. To shield their offspring from the consequences, the billionaires officially resigned from their positions on the board of directors.
At the same time, the oligarchs, who earn huge profits in the Russian Federation, are very evidently distancing themselves from the breadwinning country. They showcase how pro-European entrepreneurs they are. They demonstrate how much they do not want their involvement in 'all this'.
As if highlighting aristocratic manners, Mr. Guryev owns the entire Witanhurst Palace in the UK. There is only one larger property in the country – this is Buckingham Palace (otherwise it would be indecent!).
Desiring to be far from the hustle and bustle, the father and son resolutely refrain from participating in the 'single oligarchic contribution' quietly requested in Russia. That is, they do not contribute to the military budget in any way. Frankly, there are few patriotic notes in the behavior of businessmen. But how long can you sit on two chairs?
