Kremlin takes control of Russian Metro business
The German wholesaler formally remains the owner, but loses operational control of its Russian activities.
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The Russian government has placed Metro AG’s Russian business under temporary administration. Metro says it formally remains the owner, but can no longer make operational decisions about the subsidiary.
The measure follows a decree issued by President Vladimir Putin on Monday 28 September. It transfers Metro’s Russian assets to UK Torg RUS, a company that Metro says is led by Johannes Tholey, the head of Metro Russia.
Metro AG says ownership formally remains with the German parent company. However, the company no longer has direct control over decisions concerning its Russian activities. Metro says it is still investigating the precise financial consequences.
Metro has operated in Russia since 2001 and runs 91 wholesale outlets there. The company says approximately 9,000 people work for its Russian activities. The stores mainly supply hotels, restaurants, caterers and self-employed entrepreneurs.
The temporary administration is part of a series of Russian interventions involving companies from countries Moscow considers unfriendly. Russian operations of companies including Nestlé, Auchan and Carlsberg have previously also come under state control or the control of designated local administrators.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Metro tried to reduce its ties with its Russian subsidiary, but remained active in the country. The company has not announced that it is leaving Russia. The new arrangement does make clear that formal ownership does not automatically mean that a foreign parent company can run its business.
For suppliers and customers, the main point for now is that the stores are reportedly continuing to operate. The consequences for investment, profit transfers, staff and the ultimate value of the Russian business are not yet clear.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The Russian state has transferred operational control of Metro Russia to a designated administrator.
- Metro says it formally retains ownership.
- The consequences for staff, customers and shareholders have not yet been established.
Left
Arguments A state effectively taking over a foreign company shows how geopolitical conflicts affect workers and local customers. Western companies should further reduce their presence in Russia and avoid giving economic legitimacy to the occupation.
Values International solidarity, human rights and corporate responsibility.
Consequences Leaving may cause losses and uncertainty, but remaining could, in this view, contribute to the normalisation of Russian state conduct.
Centre
Arguments Companies must manage risks and comply with sanctions, while also taking account of employees, suppliers and customers who depend on their activities. Formal ownership and actual control must be carefully distinguished in legal terms.
Values Legal certainty, continuity and proportionate policy.
Consequences A controlled wind-down or temporary continuation could limit harm, but requires clear boundaries and transparency.
Right
Arguments The measure shows that economic dependence on Russia remains a strategic risk. Western companies should not leave their assets there if they no longer have control or protection.
Values National security, property rights and resilience.
Consequences Leaving sooner may be financially painful, but prevents capital, expertise and infrastructure from remaining under Russian control.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core facts have been confirmed by Metro AG and independent reporting. Only the ultimate financial consequences and the duration of the temporary administration remain unknown.
- confirmed Russia placed Metro Russia under temporary administration on 28 September 2026. — Reported by Metro AG and Tagesschau. source
- confirmed UK Torg RUS was given operational control. — Metro names UK Torg RUS as the temporary administrator. source
- confirmed Metro has 91 wholesale outlets and approximately 9,000 employees in Russia. — These figures appear in Metro AG’s statement. source
- confirmed Other Western companies have previously faced similar Russian measures. — Mentioned by Associated Press and Tagesschau. source
Editor's note
The transfer of operational control and formal ownership have been reported by Metro itself. The financial consequences and the duration of the temporary administration remain uncertain.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „metro rusland”
- De Telegraaf — „metro rusland”
- Trouw — „metro rusland”