Russian mobile operators Beeline and Megafon are withdrawing from their cooperation with the mobile retail chain Svyaznoy, reports Kommersant. Megafon informed Svyaznoy two months ago that it will end sales of contracts and devices at the retailer from July, as well as stop accepting customer payments at the Svyaznoy shops, three sources told the paper. This was confirmed by a Megafon spokesperon, who said the company was still considering whether it would resume sales thereafter. Beeline also confirmed it will end its marketing agreement, which sets a sales target for the retailer, from July. A spokesman noted that the contract is negotiated on a quarterly basis, and Beeline is focusing more on sales in its own shops. Furthermore, sales volumes have decreased. The cooperation with both mobile operators generates USD 74 million in annual revenues for the retailer. Beeline and Megafon recently acquired control of the main rival Svyaznoy, the chain Euroset.
