Komsomolskaya Pravda (Moscow) – September 10, 2008.

A strong dislike for September 1 is hereditary for all Russians. As early as childhood, Russians subscribe to the notion that the beginning of fall brings cold weather, short days and long traffic jams… Yet, September 3 was marked as a special day in all the calendars of business elite representatives this year: the celebration of RBC’s 15th anniversary is not to be missed!

The media holding gathered more than 2,000 guests for its festivities. As it turned out, not only was the company itself the hero of the day, but RBC TV - celebrating its birthday (it began broadcasting in 2003) - and the new business year also called for a toast!

For one night, Manezh was converted into an unusual pier, where the RBC ship– the symbol of its long and successful sailing on the waves of the media business – moored. Just a few steps away, Moet & Chandon Champagne bottles formed pyramids. The organizers of the venue did not experiment with breaking the bottle on the board of the ship, but the drink itself was in abundance that evening. Waiters dressed in marine uniforms distributed glasses with champagne, Hennessy cognac and gourmet Japanese h’orderves.

To everyone’s surprise, young sailors put down their trays to engage in the exciting traditional dance “Yablochko.” Vladimir Zhirinovsky alsodid not pass on the opportunity to demonstrate several of his own dance moves. Keeping with tradition, he entertained himself and other guests, made jokes, and even lied down on an Audi in the hall and got up on the stage to declare his love for RBC and the country.

The sea style of the evening captivated absolutely everyone. “RBC used to be a small spring, which turned into a wide full-flowing river,” observed member of the Public Chamber Leonid Roshal. “RBC covered us with a massive flow of information,” agreed Chairman of the Board of Directors of MDM Bank Oleg Vyugin.

RBC’s birthday celebration was a nice mix of an informal party and a business meeting, as the majority of those attending were business people. With this in mind, conversations rapidly shifted from summer tans to business, the upcoming stagnation of the stock market, the consequences of the war in the Caucasus and mortgage lending problems. The company of black suits was somewhat cut thin by Roman Trakhtenberg, Oleg Gazmanov, and poet Vladimir Vishnevsky. The latter promised to write a poem dedicated to RBC, but managed only a brilliant impromptu.

The media holding pleasantly surprised the guests of the evening with various gifts: it presented a gift to the Children’s Charity Fund and held an auction. Two lots were put up for bidding – Nikas Safronov’s paining and exclusive hand-made toys from designer Elena Yarmak. The evening continued with an elegant dinner and dessert, and the guests enjoyed themselves while listening to the Presidential Orchestra. Anita Tsoi, Oleg Gazmanov, Dima Bilan, Turetsky choire, A-Studio, Konstantin Raikin’s Satirikon Theater and the lead singers of the opening Monte Cristo musical took the stage one after another, as well as representatives of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who read the greetings from these officials. The New Year has most certainly begun!