Russia Seizes Nestle and Auchan Assets Placing Western Companies Under Kremlin-Appointed Management

President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on September 17 transferring the Russian assets of Nestlé, French retailer Auchan, and the former Leroy Merlin chain (now Lemana Pro) to temporary administration under L.E.V. Management, a little-known firm headed by Interior Ministry Major General Andrei Krayushkin 123. The decree also covers Russian subsidiaries of French logistics firms FM Logistic and Bati Logistics 23. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the seizures targeted companies from "unfriendly" states he described as actively supporting Ukraine, without naming France or Switzerland directly 34. Nestlé, which operates six Russian factories employing roughly 7,000 people, said it is "assessing the situation" and will take "all necessary steps" to protect its rights 34. Auchan, which runs 230–241 stores with 30,000-plus employees, said it has requested clarification from Russian authorities 3. France's foreign and economy ministries jointly called on Moscow to reverse the decision 3.