Putin Seizes Nestlé and Auchan Assets, Putting 200 Japanese Firms on Edge

Putin Seizes Nestlé and Auchan Assets, Putting 200 Japanese Firms on Edge

Russia has seized the Russian assets of three Western companies, including Swiss food giant Nestlé and French retailer Auchan, in one of the largest single rounds of corporate expropriation since the war in Ukraine began. The move signals growing risk for more than 200 Japanese firms still operating in the country.

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Moscow has seized the Russian assets of three Western companies, transferring them to a Russian entity called LEV Management. President Vladimir Putin signed the decree a day earlier, according to the Kremlin [247150].

The companies affected include Swiss food giant Nestlé, French retailer Auchan, and home improvement chain Lemana Pro [247150]. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the companies' home countries "unfriendly nations" — a label Russia uses for states that imposed sanctions over its war in Ukraine [247150].

The transfer marks one of the largest single rounds of corporate expropriation since the war began [247150]. It deepens uncertainty for Japanese companies that have stayed in Russia despite the conflict. With diplomatic ties between Tokyo and Moscow worsening, these firms now face the prospect of similar seizures [247150].

Russia has repeatedly taken similar steps against foreign businesses since the war in Ukraine began, targeting companies from countries it calls "unfriendly" [243986]. The French firms affected in earlier decrees included grocery chain Auchan, DIY retailer Leroy Merlin, and another unnamed company [243986].

Nestlé is reviewing its options after Russia placed the Swiss food giant's local assets under temporary external administration [244250]. The move is part of a wider Kremlin effort to tighten control over Western companies still operating in Russia. Nestlé has not yet said whether it will challenge the decision or adjust its Russian operations [244250].

The advocacy group B4Ukraine warns that companies should leave while they still can [245214]. The move signals that foreign businesses remaining in Russia risk losing their investments, and the Kremlin is increasingly using foreign-owned companies as leverage [245214].

Sources

Putin seizes Nestlé, Auchan assets, putting 200 Japanese firms on edge #247150Russia seizes Nestlé and Auchan assets #245214Putin seizes Nestlé and French assets in sanctions retaliation #243986Putin Seizes Nestlé’s Russian Assets #244250

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