(Adnkronos) – Russian authorities have seized the activities and assets still held in Russia by the Swiss food group Nestlé and three French companies, in a new measure against Western companies adopted in the context of sanctions imposed on Moscow for the war in Ukraine.
A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin orders the transfer of the Russian assets of Nestlé, the French chain Auchan, and the former DIY group Leroy Merlin, now called Lemana Pro, to a company named Lev Management. The measure also concerns the Russian subsidiaries of the French logistics group Fm Logistic. According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, Lev Management was established at the end of 2025 and is led by a general from the Russian Interior Ministry. The company reportedly had no known commercial activities until now.
Nestlé stated that it intends to take “all necessary measures to protect its rights and ensure the continuity of its operations,” adding that it is evaluating the situation and available options. According to analyst Jean-Philippe Bertschy of the Swiss bank Vontobel, the financial impact for the group should be limited, given that Russia accounts for just over 1% of Nestlé’s sales.
