Auchan Russia seeks clarification on Putin's external management decree

September 18, 2026 at 02:09 PM2 min

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Auchan Retail Russia has requested clarification on President Vladimir Putin's decree placing its assets under temporary external management. The company said all its stores continue to operate normally. The decree, signed September 17, also affects Nestle, FM Logistics, Bati Logistics, and Le Monlid.

Key Facts

Auchan Retail Russia sent a request for clarification on Putin's decree placing its assets under temporary external management.
The decree, signed on September 17, transfers assets of Nestle, Auchan, FM Logistics, Bati Logistics, and Le Monlid to JSC 'L.E.V. Management'.
The assets under management are valued at approximately one trillion rubles.
JSC 'L.E.V. Management' was registered two years ago and, according to open information, has no business activity.
Nestle said it took note of the decree and will take all necessary steps to protect its rights and ensure business continuity.

Auchan's Request

Auchan Retail Russia, owned by French retailer Auchan, sent a request asking for clarification on what Putin's decree on temporary external management means for the company. The company promised to provide a more detailed comment after receiving the relevant information. Auchan stated that all its facilities continue to operate normally without any changes.

The Decree

President Putin signed the document on Thursday, September 17, transferring assets of Nestle and Auchan, as well as FM Logistics, Bati Logistics, and Le Monlid (formerly Leroy Merlin), to JSC 'L.E.V. Management'. The assets are valued at approximately one trillion rubles. The management company was registered two years ago and, according to open information, conducts no business activity. Its legal address is listed as premises 7/2 at 18 2nd Tverskaya-Yamskaya Street in Moscow, which is not marked on the map.

Nestle's Response

Swiss concern Nestle said it took note of Putin's decree and will take all necessary steps to protect its rights and ensure business continuity in the interests of stakeholders, primarily employees.