Russian Company Seeks Putin’s Approval to Place Nestle Assets Under Administration
Request to Place Nestle’s Russian Assets Under Administration
Background of the Request
MOSCOW, Aug 17 (Reuters) - A little-known Russian company has asked President Vladimir Putin to place the Russian assets of Swiss food group Nestle under temporary administration, the Kommersant newspaper reported on Monday, citing a source familiar with the matter.
The request, submitted by a company called KS Logistika, covers five Nestle-owned entities in Russia and could, in theory, result in a change of ownership, Kommersant said.
Nestle’s Response and Current Operations
Nestle told Reuters it had not been contacted by Russian authorities about the request. The company said it continues to operate its offices and factories in Russia while complying with all regulatory requirements.
Putin's spokesman was not available to comment.
About KS Logistika
KS Logistika reported revenue of 1.6 million roubles ($18,735) in 2025 and is believed to represent third-party interests, the newspaper reported, without elaborating.
Reuters has not been able to independently verify this information.
Context: Russian Control Over Foreign-Owned Assets
Russia has tightened control over foreign-owned assets since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022. Under a decree signed by Putin in 2023, Moscow has the power to place assets from countries it deems "unfriendly" under temporary administration.
The mechanism has previously been used to take control of the Russian subsidiaries of companies including Danone and Carlsberg. Nestle has continued operating in Russia, arguing that as a food producer, it supplies essential goods.
Reasons Behind the Request
According to Kommersant's source, the request stems from Nestle's decision not to expand production capacity in Russia and to halt exports of products made at its Russian factories.
Potential Outcomes and Industry Analysis
Temporary Administration and Asset Seizure
Natalia Popravko, a Russian consultant, told Kommersant that temporary administration does not necessarily amount to asset seizure. However, she noted that some businesses have ultimately been confiscated or sold to Russian investors.
Valuation of Nestle’s Russian Business
Citing industry analyst Mikhail Burmistrov, Kommersant said Nestle's Russian business could be worth 160 billion to 175 billion roubles ($1.9 billion to $2.1 billion), including 120 billion to 125 billion roubles in assets and brands and 40 billion to 50 billion roubles in undistributed profits.
Nestle’s Operations in Russia
Nestle operates six production sites in Russia, in the Kaluga, Vologda, Samara, Vladimir, Perm and Krasnodar regions, producing coffee, confectionery, baby food and pet food.
($1 = 85.4000 roubles)
(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov. Editing by Mark Potter)