Kremlin orders Russia businesses of Nestle, Auchan seized
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing the Russian activities of Nestlé and Auchan under temporary external administration. A little-known Moscow-based company will now manage these assets. This action follows previous seizures of Metro and Danone operations. The move targets Western companies remaining in Russia since 2022 and follows a petition from a local logistics firm regarding Nestlé's lack of expansion. Putin has previously indicated that such assets could be returned if diplomatic relations between Russia and Western nations improve.
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- ✓ Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing Nestlé and Auchan Russian activities under temporary external administration.
- ✓ A Moscow-based company will manage the seized operations of Nestlé and Auchan.
What changed
President Putin signed a formal decree transferring Nestlé and Auchan operations to a Moscow-based company.
Live updates
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Putin signs decree seizing Nestlé and Auchan Russian operations
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing the Russian activities of Nestlé and Auchan under temporary external administration. A little-known Moscow-based company will now manage these assets. This action follows previous seizures of Metro and Danone operations. The move targets Western companies remaining in Russia since 2022 and follows a petition from a local logistics firm regarding Nestlé's lack of expansion. Putin has previously indicated that such assets could be returned if diplomatic relations between Russia and Western nations improve.
Why it matters
Russia is using asset seizures as retaliation for Western sanctions and support for Ukraine. These measures signal escalating risks for foreign firms operating within the country. The shift to local management removes corporate control from Swiss and French owners.
What is confirmed
- Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing Nestlé and Auchan Russian activities under temporary external administration.
- A Moscow-based company will manage the seized operations of Nestlé and Auchan.
Still unconfirmed
- A local logistics firm petitioned President Putin for state administration of five Nestlé subsidiaries due to a lack of expansion.
- Yuri Shefler accused Andris Šķēle of attempting to seize his spirits business in a plot linked to Vladimir Putin.
- Andris Šķēle denied allegations regarding the SPI Group seizure as baseless and slanderous.
What to watch next
- Official identification of the Moscow-based company managing the assets
- Further decrees targeting other Western subsidiaries remaining in Russia
- Diplomatic negotiations regarding the return of seized assets
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- en.wikipedia.org — Kremlin - Wikipedia
- en.kremlin.ru — President of Russia
- kremlin.ru — Президент России
- en.wikipedia.org — Kremlin (fortification) - Wikipedia
- www.worldhistory.org — Kremlin - World History Encyclopedia
- kreml.ru — MMK (Moscow Kremlin Museum)
- swissobserver.ch — Nestlé's Russian Operations at Risk as Moscow Considers State ...
- www.presse-citron.net — La Russie choisit de prendre le contrôle des supermarchés ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Vodka Billionaire Accuses Putin of Plot to Steal His Empire
- www.historyhit.com — The Kremlin - History and Facts | History Hit
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Kremlin seizes Russian assets of Nestle, Auchan, Metro
Russia has taken control of the local operations of Nestle, Auchan, and Metro, transferring their Russian assets to local management. This move follows a similar seizure of Danone's Russian business and is seen as retaliation for Western sanctions and support for Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin suggested that the seized assets could be returned if diplomatic relations improve.
Why it matters
The seizures are part of Russia's broader effort to assert control over foreign businesses operating in the country. This move has significant implications for the Russian economy and the global business community. Western sanctions have been imposed on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.
What is confirmed
- Russia has taken control of the local operations of Nestle, Auchan, and Metro, transferring their Russian assets to local management.
- The seizures are seen as retaliation for Western sanctions and support for Ukraine.
- President Vladimir Putin suggested that the seized assets could be returned if diplomatic relations improve.
Still unconfirmed
- Auchan, Leroy Merlin, Nestle assets in Russia face transfer to Kremlin-connected individuals.
What to watch next
- The future of other foreign businesses operating in Russia
- The impact of the seizures on the Russian economy
- Potential responses from Western governments
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- meduza.io — Le Monde: German retailer Metro asks Kremlin to place its ...
- inforcapital.com — Russian Retail Assets Transfer to Kremlin-Aligned Buyers
- www.ukrainianworldcongress.org — Russia seizes foreign businesses: Turning Kremlin blackmail ...
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Russia seizes Nestle, Auchan businesses in retaliation for sanctions
Russia has taken control of the local operations of Nestle, Auchan, and Metro, transferring their Russian assets to local management. This move follows a similar seizure of Danone's Russian business and is seen as retaliation for Western sanctions and support for Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin suggested that the seized assets could be returned if diplomatic relations improve.
Why it matters
The seizures are part of Russia's broader effort to assert control over foreign businesses operating in the country. Many Western firms had already sold or isolated their Russian holdings. The move highlights the escalating risks for foreign companies still operating in Russia.
What is confirmed
- The Russian operations of Nestle, Auchan, and Metro have been transferred to LEV Management.
- Most Western firms had already sold or isolated their Russian holdings.
- This seizure echoes Moscow's previous takeover of Danone's Russian business.
Still unconfirmed
- A local logistics firm petitioned President Vladimir Putin for a state takeover of five Nestle Russian subsidiaries.
What to watch next
- The future of other Western businesses operating in Russia
- Potential diplomatic efforts to return the seized assets
- The impact on Russia's economy and foreign investment
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- swissobserver.ch — Nestlé Risks Losing Control of Russian Business After Putin ...
- www.wral.com — Business News and Reporting Coverage, page 14 | WRAL
- dairynews.today — Auchan: A Major Player in the Russian Retail Market
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — auchan retail: Latest News & Videos, Photos about auchan ...
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Russia seizes control of Nestle, Auchan businesses
Russia has taken control of the local operations of Swiss food giant Nestle and French retailer Auchan, along with German wholesaler Metro, as retaliation for Western sanctions and support for Ukraine. The seized assets have been transferred to Russian management, with President Vladimir Putin suggesting they could be returned if diplomatic relations improve. This move follows a similar seizure of Danone's Russian business. Most Western firms had already sold or isolated their Russian holdings.
Why it matters
The seizures are part of Russia's broader strategy to assert control over foreign-owned companies operating in the country. This move is seen as a reaction to the economic pressures exerted by Western nations through sanctions. The Russian government has been actively seeking to reduce the influence of foreign businesses and promote domestic control over key sectors.
What is confirmed
- Russia has placed two Nestle subsidiaries under the management of a Russian company, restricting the Swiss food giant's control.
- President Vladimir Putin signed a decree transferring the Russian operations of Nestle, Auchan, and Metro to Russian management.
- The seized assets have been transferred to LEV Management.
- Putin said Russian assets of Western companies that Moscow had seized were frozen and could potentially be returned.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia appears to be taking a different approach toward American firms compared to European-owned companies.
What to watch next
- The future of diplomatic relations between Russia and Western nations
- The response of other Western companies operating in Russia
- The impact on Russia's economy and business environment
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- swissobserver.com — Russia takes control of two Nestlé subsidiaries
- www.dw.com — Why is Russia seizing control of European companies?
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — nestle supply chain: Latest News & Videos, Photos about ...
- www.nampa.org — Moscow, Oct 1, 2026 (AFP) - Putin says Western companies ...
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Russia Seizes Metro Assets Following Nestlé and Auchan Takeovers
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing the Russian operations of German wholesaler Metro under the temporary management of JSC UK Torg Rus. This move follows the seizure of assets belonging to Swiss food giant Nestlé and French retailer Auchan. The Kremlin describes these actions as retaliation for sanctions and European support for Ukraine. Metro is currently assessing the implications of the decision. While the state has taken operational control, Putin suggested Western companies might regain their assets if diplomatic relations improve.
Why it matters
Moscow is targeting businesses from countries backing Ukraine to weaponize corporate holdings. These seizures affect companies that previously maintained loyalty to the Kremlin during the invasion of Ukraine. The strategy signals a shift toward state-backed management of foreign-owned infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- Russia placed the assets of Nestlé, Metro, and Auchan under temporary management.
- President Vladimir Putin signed the decree targeting Metro.
- The Russian operations of Metro were transferred to the temporary management of JSC UK Torg Rus.
- The Kremlin linked the seizure of these assets to sanctions and European support for Ukraine.
Still unconfirmed
- Metro's Russian business is worth 50 to 80 billion rubles.
- Putin stated Western companies could regain assets if relations improve.
What to watch next
- The Swiss government's response to the ongoing demand for the reversal of the Nestlé seizure.
- Further decrees targeting other Western corporate holdings in Russia.
- Official confirmation of the valuation of seized Metro assets.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- finance.yahoo.com — Russia puts Metro’s local business under temporary administration
- finance.yahoo.com — After Nestle and Auchan seizures, Russia is coming for others
- kyivindependent.com — After Nestle and Auchan seizures, Russia is coming for others
- unn.ua — Putin seized Metro's Russian assets — who will manage them
- www.globalbankingandfinance.com — Putin says Western companies could get their Russian assets back
- www.youtube.com — Kremlin orders Russia European businesses seized | DW News
- www.24newshd.tv — Moscow seizes Russian assets of German food retailer Metro
- www.hngn.com — Putin Rejects Energy Truce, Vows Nuclear Defense of Kaliningrad
- mezha.net — Russia Places Nestlé, Metro and Auchan Assets Under Temporary ...
- www.londondaily.news — Kremlin links controls on Nestlé, Metro and Auchan assets to ...
- business-news-today.com — Russia puts Nestlé, Metro and Auchan assets under state ...
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Kremlin Seizes Russian Assets of German Retailer Metro
Russian authorities seized the assets of German wholesaler and food retailer Metro on Monday, placing the company's Russian operations under the temporary management of a firm called UK Torg RUS. President Vladimir Putin signed the decree targeting Metro as part of a growing wave of business takeovers aimed at countries that back Ukraine. The latest action follows earlier state seizures this month involving Swiss food giant Nestle, French retailer Auchan, and Illinois-based AptarGroup. The Swiss government continues to demand a reversal of the Nestle seizure as Moscow expands its control over remaining Western corporate holdings.
Why it matters
The state takeovers function as retaliation against hostile measures from nations supporting Ukraine. Foreign companies that stayed in Russia despite international sanctions now face systematic state appropriation and forced management changes. Meanwhile, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev traveled to the United States for high-level discussions with representatives from the Donald Trump administration on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
What is confirmed
- President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday placing the Russian operations of Metro Cash and Carry under the temporary management of UK Torg RUS.
- Russian authorities earlier seized the businesses and assets of Swiss food giant Nestle and French retailer Auchan.
- President Vladimir Putin previously placed the Russian subsidiary of Illinois-based AptarGroup under temporary government control.
- Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev traveled to the United States for discussions with representatives from the Donald Trump administration.
What to watch next
- Any formal diplomatic retaliation or sanctions response from the German government regarding the seizure of Metro AG.
- Further announcements from the Swiss government concerning its ongoing demands to reverse the Nestle takeover.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.themoscowtimes.com — Moscow's Audacious Asset Grab Is a Warning to Western Companies
- www.france24.com — Moscow seizes Russian assets of German food retailer Metro
- www.yahoo.com — Moscow seizes Russian assets of German food retailer Metro
- www.dailysabah.com — Moscow seizes control of German retailer Metro's Russian assets | Daily Sabah
- www.deccanherald.com — Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev heads to US for talks with Trump team - Deccan Herald ,Latest News Today
- www.independent.co.uk — Kremlin transfers control of German retailer Metro's Russia ...
- uk.finance.yahoo.com — Moscow seizes Russian assets of German food retailer Metro
- meduza.io — Russian units of Auchan, Nestlé, Lemana PRO ... - Meduza
- www.yahoo.com — Kremlin seizes control of German retailer Metro AG's Russian ...
- thearabianpost.com — Putin assigns Nestlé, French assets to Russian administrator
- www.themoscowtimes.com — Kremlin Seizes Russian Subsidiary of German Retailer Metro
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Putin Seizes Russian Plant of US-Based AptarGroup
President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order on Monday placing the Russian subsidiary of Illinois-based packaging manufacturer AptarGroup under temporary government control. This action follows the recent seizure of assets belonging to French retailer Auchan and Swiss food company Nestlé. The Kremlin views these takeovers as retaliation for hostile measures from European nations. While the Swiss government continues to demand a reversal of the Nestlé seizure, the Russian state is expanding its control over Western corporate holdings that remained in the country despite international sanctions.
Why it matters
Russia is intensifying a crackdown on foreign private businesses to consolidate state control over Western assets. These seizures target multinational firms that did not exit the market following the imposition of global sanctions. The pattern indicates a systematic move to nationalize foreign industrial and retail infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order on Monday placing the Russian subsidiary of Illinois-based packaging manufacturer AptarGroup under temporary government control.
- The Kremlin seized control of Nestlé Russia five days prior to September 21.
- The Russian government has seized the businesses of French retailer Auchan.
What to watch next
- The Swiss government's response to the ongoing Nestlé asset seizure
- Further executive orders targeting other Western corporate subsidiaries in Russia
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.themoscowtimes.com — Putin Orders Seizure of U.S. Packaging Maker’s Russian Plant
- www.foodnavigator.com — Nestlé Russia under state control: What happens next?
- kdhnews.com — Poisoning suspected in deaths of 10 lions in Tanzania conservation area
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Kremlin Seizes Nestlé and Auchan Russian Assets
The Kremlin has ordered the seizure of the Russian businesses belonging to Swiss food giant Nestlé and French retailer Auchan, tightening state control over Western corporate holdings. Russian authorities framed the asset seizures as retaliation for hostile measures enacted by European nations. Switzerland has publicly condemned the takeover of Nestlé and is demanding a reversal. The move marks a significant escalation in an ongoing crackdown targeting private businesses inside Russia, impacting foreign enterprises that remained in the country following broader international sanctions.
Why it matters
Western corporations operating within Russia have faced mounting pressure and regulatory hurdles since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. Seizing these foreign assets consolidates state leverage against European economic policies. Switzerland's swift diplomatic pushback highlights the rising friction between Moscow and Western governments regarding property rights and corporate retaliation.
What is confirmed
- The Kremlin ordered the seizure of Russian businesses belonging to Nestlé and Auchan.
- Russia stated the asset seizures are retaliation for hostile actions by Europe.
- Switzerland criticized the seizure of Nestlé assets and is seeking a reversal.
- Russia seized assets belonging to Swiss food giant Nestlé and French firms.
What to watch next
- Further diplomatic fallout or retaliatory economic measures from Switzerland and France
- Potential additional seizures targeting other Western private businesses operating in Russia
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- CNN — Kremlin seizes Nestlé’s assets in Russia as crackdown on private business grows
- CNBC — Putin targets Nestle's Russian business as Kremlin tightens grip on Western assets
- Reuters — Russia says Nestle, Auchan asset seizures are payback for hostile actions by Europe
- Bloomberg.com — Switzerland Criticizes Russia’s Nestle Seizure, Seeks Reversal
- AP News — Kremlin orders Russia businesses of Nestle, Auchan seized
- France 24 — Russia seizes assets of Swiss food giant Nestle and three French firms
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