Putin issues decree affecting Auchan, Nestlé and Leroy Merlin assets in Russia
President Vladimir Putin issued a decree concerning the Russian subsidiaries of France's Auchan and Switzerland's Nestlé, as well as a small share of the former Leroy Merlin business now operating under the Lemana PRO brand. The decree involves the entities previously held by Sogepar for Auchan and by Scenari Holding LP for the Leroy Merlin assets. The move comes amid ongoing adjustments by multinational firms to their Russian operations following sanctions. Details of the decree’s implications for ownership or management have not been specified in the reports.
How this was covered
- Coverage peaked at 6 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The decree signals further shifts in how foreign retail operations are handled within Russia.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps report Putin’s decree placing Nestlé, Auchan and Leroy Merlin assets under temporary Russian control, but left-leaning coverage frames it as a shocking, punitive seizure, centrist coverage presents it as a factual state action justified by “unfriendly countries,” while right-leaning coverage casts it as justified retaliation against Western hostility.
LEFT
The seizure is portrayed as a shocking, punitive move that disrupts the companies and their employees.
CENTER
The decree is reported as a neutral state action placing assets under temporary external administration, with Kremlin officials labeling the firms as from “unfriendly countries.”
RIGHT
The action is framed as justified payback for Western support of Ukraine, emphasizing retaliation against “unfriendly” Western firms.
The left emphasises
- describes the decree as a “shock” and “brutal” to the firms
- highlights the impact on employees and the companies’ operations in Russia
- notes the companies’ statements about protecting rights and continuity
The right emphasises
- frames the seizure as retaliation for Europe’s support of Ukraine
- emphasizes the “unfriendly countries” label and “hostile actions” against Russia
- calls the move the largest takeover of foreign assets since 2024
How this story developed
- Sep 17 Putin places Auchan and Nestlé Russian assets under temporary state control
- Sep 18 The decree now also includes the small share of Leroy Merlin’s Russian entity.
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