Russian authorities have placed the Russian business of German retail group Metro under state administration. All assets are to be transferred under “temporary administration” to the Russian company UK Torg RUS, according to a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin and published on Monday.Moscow has recently placed the Russian operations of several companies under Russian administration, particularly businesses headquartered in countries that support Ukraine.
According to Metro’s financial results, Russia generated €2.14 billion in revenue during the first nine months of this year, accounting for almost 8.7% of the company’s total revenue. Russia is also Metro’s fastest-growing market, with revenue increasing by more than 10%. The market accounts for one-third of the group’s overall growth. Metro reported that its Russian subsidiary held €152 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2026.
Last Monday, the Kremlin placed the Russian business of US-based company Aptar under Russian administration. Before that, the Russian operations of Swiss company Nestlé and French companies Auchan and FM Logistic, as well as the former Russian business of Leroy Merlin, had also been placed under Russian administration. The Kremlin justified the measures by referring to the companies’ headquarters being located in “unfriendly states.”
Since the beginning of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, numerous Western companies have withdrawn from Russia. Other companies have suspended their activities there or transferred their operations to Russian companies.
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