Russia Places Nestle and Auchan Under Temporary State Control

In September 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing the Russian subsidiaries of food company Nestle and retailer Auchan under temporary state administration. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move concerns only the introduction of external management of the companies' assets in Russia. The decree also covers Leroy Merlin, according to Russian reports.

Nestle said it is weighing all options for its Russian business following the decision. The seizure is described as the largest since 2024. The move has also raised concerns in the fertilizer market, where US sanctions on Russia have created confusion.