Metro State Management
Putin Places German Retailer Metro's Russian Operations Under Temporary State Management
Anonymous
President Vladimir Putin placed the Russian operations of German retailer Metro AG under temporary state management, assigning oversight to Torg RUS, a recently registered company led by Metro Russia’s chief executive, Johannes Tholey. The arrangement transfers management powers but does not change ownership or permit the administrator to sell the assets. Metro Russia said it continues to operate as usual and did not directly address the order. The move follows similar actions against Russian subsidiaries of other foreign companies, which Moscow has described as a response to measures by “unfriendly” governments.
Key Points
1
Metro said it chose to remain in Russia after the invasion partly because it had responsibility for about 10,000 local employees and customers who relied on its grocery stores, and because the Russian business was significant to the group’s portfolio.
2
The appointed manager, UK Torg RUS, was registered on September 6, 2026, has authorized capital of 10,000 rubles and lists Metro Russia chief Johannes Tolay as its sole employee.
3
Metro operates 91 stores in Russia, according to the report on the decree.
4
The decree relies on a mechanism introduced in April 2023; Russian authorities have said the mechanism responds to restrictions and the seizure of Russian assets abroad, and it applies to property on a designated list.
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