20/09/2026
The Kremlin has placed the Russian businesses of Swiss food giant Nestlé and French retailer Auchan under temporary administration, following a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin.
The move gives a Russian-appointed administrator control over the companies’ local operations without formally transferring ownership. However, similar measures have previously been followed by the sale or transfer of Western-owned businesses to Russian buyers.
One of the most prominent examples is Danone. Its Russian subsidiary was placed under temporary state administration in July 2023 and was later sold to a Russian buyer.
The same month, Russia took control of Baltika Breweries, owned by Danish brewing giant Carlsberg. Carlsberg subsequently sold its Russian business to local buyers after the company had initially planned to exit the market.
Other Western companies whose Russian assets have faced similar state intervention include Finnish energy company Fortum, German utility Uniper, German appliance maker Bosch, Italian appliance company Ariston, and Japanese-German industrial group DMG Mori.
The cases have raised concerns among Western companies that temporary administration can ultimately lead to the loss of control over their Russian assets and sales under conditions they consider unfavorable.
At the same time, the outcomes have varied: some assets have been sold or transferred to Russian owners, while others have later been returned to their original owners.
Nestlé says it is assessing the situation and considering measures to protect its interests. Auchan's Russian operations remain open for now.
