# Russia seizure of foreign corporate assets

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-seizure-of-foreign-corporate-assets
> Updated: 2026-09-22T01:26:00.000Z. Sources: 109. Developments: 3.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree placing the Russian assets of several Western companies under temporary state management. The decree specifically targets entities from countries deemed ‘unfriendly’ by Moscow, including Switzerland and France, due to their support for Ukraine.

Targeted companies include the Swiss food giant Nestlé, the French retailer Auchan, the DIY chain Lemana Pro (formerly Leroy Merlin), and the logistics firm FM Logistic. Management of these assets has been transferred to L. E. V. Management, a Russian firm reportedly established in late 2025 and headed by a general from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

While the companies remain the formal owners, they have lost operational control and the ability to make key business decisions. Nestlé, which operates six production sites and employs approximately 7,000 people in Russia, is assessing legal options to protect its rights and ensure business continuity. The company has announced its intention to continue commercial activities in Russia despite the decree, maintaining that the move does not constitute a change in ownership or nationalization. Nestlé remains committed to fulfilling obligations to its employees, partners, and clients.

Analysts note that this action follows a pattern established in 2023 with the takeover of Danone and Carlsberg assets, which eventually led to forced sales. The Kremlin maintains these measures are a response to Western sanctions and military assistance provided to Kyiv. The move has triggered market concerns, such as downward pressure on Coca-Cola HBC shares on the Athens Stock Exchange, as analysts suggest the move sets a precedent for further state interventions.

## Claims

- Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing several foreign assets under temporary Russian management. (corroborated by 45 sources)
- Nestlé is assessing options to protect its rights and ensure business continuity in Russia. (corroborated by 37 sources)
- The assets of Nestlé, Auchan, and Lemana Pro (formerly Leroy Merlin) are transferred to L. E. V. Management. (corroborated by 36 sources)
- The assets of the French retailer Auchan are placed under temporary management. (corroborated by 34 sources)
- Nestlé remains the owner of its Russian holdings but can no longer determine their management. (corroborated by 31 sources)
- Russia accounts for approximately 2 percent of Nestlé's total turnover. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- The decision was influenced by the fact that the involved countries are considered unfriendly and are actively involved in military actions against Russia. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- L. E. V. Management is led by a Russian interior ministry general. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The Russian business of Nestlé is valued at approximately 1.5 to 1.7 billion Swiss francs. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Nestlé to continue Russian operations despite state administration

Nestlé intends to continue operations in Russia after the Kremlin placed its Russian entities under temporary external administration via a presidential decree.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nestl-to-continue-russian-operations-despite-state-administration

### 2026-09-18: Coca-Cola HBC shares drop amid Russian asset seizure fears

Coca-Cola HBC shares fell as investors fear Russian state intervention following a decree placing Nestlé and Auchan assets under temporary state management.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coca-cola-hbc-shares-drop-amid-russian-asset-seizure-fears

### 2026-09-17: Russia places Nestlé and Auchan assets under temporary management

President Vladimir Putin has placed the Russian assets of Nestlé, Auchan, and Lemana Pro under temporary state administration via a new decree, transferring control to the Russian firm L. E. V. Management.

103 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-places-nestl-subsidiaries-under-external-management

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Cite as: Russia seizure of foreign corporate assets. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-seizure-of-foreign-corporate-assets