AMSTERDAM (Reuters), – Prosus, a Dutch-based technology investor and investor, announced on Friday that they would be looking to purchase its Russian online market Avito.

Avito was one of Prosus’s most important investments prior to Russia’s invasion in Ukraine on February 24, 2014. Moscow described the operation as “special military operations”, and estimated its value at $6 billion.

According to a company statement, “Prosus decided now that it would exit the Russian business.” We have begun the process of finding a buyer for Avito shares.

Moscow-based Avito stated that it will continue operating as an independent business and be managed by Russian managers.

Avito said that this did not alter its plans for business growth and Russian opportunities.

Prosus stated in March that it was cutting ties to Avito, and wouldn’t seek economic benefits from Avito ownership.

Prosus, recognizing that the responsibility for Avito’s 4000 employees was itss, decided to maintain Avito’s management after Russia was sanctioned.

After it was revealed that Avito had advertised for Russian military positions, the decision was criticized.

Prosus said that Avito would be seperated from its online marketplace businesses which were part of the larger OLX Group. But, Prosus did not clarify what would follow the separation.

South Africa’s Naspers holds control of Prosus. Over the past year, its shares fell by over 40%, mostly due to Tencent’s 28.9% stake, the largest asset of the company.

Prosus shares closed 2.4% higher at 46.61 GMT at Amsterdam at 07:15 GMT on Friday.