May 27 (Reuters) - Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin

has acquired a 9.95% stake in internet giant Yandex,

often dubbed "Russia's Google", through companies he owns,

according to statements from companies involved.

A consortium of Russian investors bought Yandex's Russian

business from the company's Dutch parent in July 2024 for around

$5.4 billion in cash and shares, ending foreign ownership of the

internet company.

Yandex said on Tuesday the expiration of a lock-up period

meant that investors in the consortium could now own stakes in

Yandex directly, but that no shareholders would gain a

controlling interest.

According to Russia's corporate registry, Catalytic People

on May 26 acquired Meridian-Servis, an investment company that

held a stake in the Yandex consortium.

Catalytic People is a joint venture between Potanin's

holding company Interros and T-Technologies. Interros is

T-Technologies' largest shareholder, with a 41% stake, according

to T-Technologies' 2024 report.

Interros and T-Technologies have said Catalytic People,

which also owns a 64% stake in Tochka Bank, will be used to

invest in innovative and high-tech projects.

Potanin is CEO and shareholder of Russian metals giant

Nornickel but has other investments through Interros.

T-Technologies President Stanislav Bliznyuk said the deal

opened opportunities for T-Technologies and Yandex to work

together on educational and technology projects.