Russia’s tech and internet major Yandex (YDEX) is close to agreeing the sale of its Auto.ru classified car marketplace to T-Technologies (former TCS Group) for around RUB35bn ($385mn), according to RBC business portal, citing unnamed sources familiar with the talks.

The sale is linked to Russian technology companies reshuffling assets amid a downturn in the car market and growing competition in online classifieds.

RBC's business portal reports that T-Technologies, which controls T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff Bank), has become the main contender for Auto.ru, although one source said another potential buyer remains in discussions and that the deal is expected to be reviewed by Yandex’s board, with the next meeting scheduled for February 16. 

Kommersant daily previously cited INFOLine Analytics as estimating Auto.ru at RUB20bn–RUB25bn ($220mn–$275mn) based on EBITDA of RUB2bn–RUB3bn ($22mn–$33mn). Sources told RBC that RUB35bn ($385mn) would be expensive but justified by opportunities to integrate lending products.

Auto.ru accounted for 43% of cars sold in Russia as of 3Q25, according to Yandex reporting cited by RBC business portal, while revenue in the classifieds segment fell 5% year-on-year (y/y) to RUB8bn ($88mn) in 2Q25 due to weaker car sales. 

T-Bank’s auto loan portfolio reached RUB691bn ($7.6bn) before provisions as of September 30, 2025, making it the bank’s second-largest product segment, and analysts cited by RBC business portal said deeper integration of car loans into the platform could strengthen its market position.