OREANDA-NEWS. Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS” or the “Company” - NYSE: MBT), the leading telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, announces that Valery Shorzhin, Director of Procurement, has received a prestigious Procurement Leader Award at an awards ceremony sponsored by Procurement Leaders Magazine, the leading international publication for procurement professionals.

The award showcases Valery's contribution to the transformation of MTS's procurement function, which has been globally acknowledged for its efficiency and transparency. MTS was the only Russian company to be shortlisted for this award alongside Vodafone, LG, IBM, ConocoPhillips Asia Ventures and other world's leading companies. MTS was also shortlisted in the Best Procurement Team and Transformation categories. Winners in the 8 categories were selected by a reputable international jury consisting of senior managers from such companies as Microsoft, Syngentra, Jones Lang LaSalle and WIPRO.

Mr. Shorzhin commented, “As MTS is focused on improving efficiencies across the organization, the mission of the procurement has long been to enable the Company to maximize returns on investments and stay ahead of the competition. We are happy that our success has again been acknowledged by the international community of procurement professionals.”

Previously, MTS and Vodafone had been recognized with an award in the category of External Collaboration in The Procurement Leaders Awards 2012. The companies were honored for the successful completion of joint projects, which enabled them to standardize requirements for suppliers and jointly purchase telecommunications equipment, IT equipment and consumer devices across multiple geographies. Since October 2008, MTS and Vodafone have maintained a strategic partnership to provide customers with high-quality communications services and to collaborate jointly on future technological developments. MTS has drawn extensively on Vodafone's expertise in developing networks and mobile broadband products, deploying its retail network, working with leading global equipment providers, and applying innovative CRM practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of its business.