Putin Places Nestle and Auchan Russian Assets Under State Control

The presidential order effectively strips the parent companies of their decision-making power over Russian subsidiaries. By installing L.E.V. Management as the temporary administrator, the Kremlin continues its pattern of tightening its grip on foreign capital. This shift forces multinational firms to navigate an increasingly volatile economic environment where property rights are secondary to geopolitical objectives.

For companies like Nestle and Auchan, which maintained operations despite broader corporate exits, the seizure represents a significant financial risk. The move signals that the window for foreign businesses to operate independently in Russia is closing, as the government reconfigures the domestic market to serve national interests over global commercial ties.