Vladimir Potanin is restructuring his business. All industrial assets are placed under the Interros Holding Company. The financial units remain within the UNEXIM-MFK Group. The goal of the Holding is to use global best practices to develop its assets. The Holding’s functions involve asset management, restructuring, anti-turnaround management, investment strategy development, financial control and personnel training. Interros is beginning to define itself as an investment company. The financial crisis hits on August 19. In the wake of the crisis, the restructuring efforts are put on hold. UNEXIM Bank merges with the newly created Rosbank to address the fallout of the financial meltdown. RAO Norilsk Nickel restructuring enters its active phase.