TUI Russia and C.I.S., the first major international operator to get into the Russian and Ukrainian travel services markets, entered into a transaction to purchase VKO Group. In its turn, VKO Group consists of VKO travel that provides tours outside of Russia, as well as of the VKO Club network of tour agencies. 

In early April, TUI Russia purchased the final quarter ownership interest in VKO Group. In September of 2009, the company already purchased a 75-percent interest in the Russian company.    

The plans of TUI Russia consist of finalizing a transaction to acquire Svoy Travel Group that services the Russian domestic market. The decision to purchase Svoy Travel was taken in January of 2011. After the transaction is complete, the Russian tour operator will be a member of the TUI Travel PLC Accommodation and Destinations. While TUI has its presence in 42 countries, sources familiar with the acquisition suggest that Svoy will keep its brand even after the acquisition.

TUI Russia and C.I.S. is a JV project between TUI Travel PLC and S-Group Capital Management, a private equity fund based in Russia.