Sistema JSFC's Board is recommending to the AGM to be held on June 29, 2013 to set the total amount of dividend payment on Sistema's shares for 2012 at RUB 9.264 billion, representing a payment of RUB 0.96 per ordinary share. The total proposed dividend payment has been determined on the basis of Sistema's full year 2012 US GAAP net income and the corporate centre's net gain from disposal of assets in 2012. The dividend is due to be paid within a 60-day period following the AGM's approval. Shareholders registered as at the record date of May 20, 2013 will be eligible to participate in the AGM and entitled to receive a dividend payment following the AGM's approval.

The Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) would not welcome a possible merger between Tele2 Russia Telecom and one of the country's 'Big Three' cellular providers, FAS chief Igor Artemiyev said. "Of course we'd consider [a request to buy Tele2 Russia from the JSC VTB Bank (LSE:VTBR) if one is made]. Of course we'd read our law. But if this business is to be combined with any of the Big Three then it wouldn't be very good," Artemiyev added. Artemiyev said he was not currently aware of any such requests being filed with the FAS, although he had been away on business the last couple of days. The best outcome, he said, would be to create a "powerful and strong" fourth cellular company, which would compete with the three existing ones. It is reported that Mobile Telesystems OJSC (NYSE:MBT) which is subsidiary of Sistema JSFC (MICEX:AFKS) is interested in acquiring Tele2 Russia and is prepared to enter into talks with VTB to buy it at any moment. "Our offer is on the market and VTB knows about it. We're prepared to enter into negotiations at any moment," Sistema President Mikhail Shamolin said on April 16, 2013.

Sistema JSFC reported consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company reported revenues up 13% year over year to $9.5 billion, adjusted OIBDA down 1.9% year over year to $2.1 billion, with an adjusted OIBDA margin of 21.9% and adjusted net income attributable to the Group up 36.9% year over year to $357.9 million. For the full year, the company reported revenues up 3.9% to $34.2 billion, adjusted OIBDA up 3.3% year over year to $8.5 billion, with an adjusted OIBDA margin of 25.0%, adjusted net income attributable to the Group up 80% year over year to $1.8 billion. Net debt at the Corporate Holding level amounted to $1.0 billion as at December 31, 2012, compared to net cash of $580.5 million as at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the company's investments in 2012.