Kremlin takes control of Metro Russia unit

On September 28, 2026, a presidential order placed the Russian operations of German retailer Metro AG under temporary state administration. The decree directs that Metro’s stores and properties in Russia be transferred to the management of JSC UK Torg Rus, a Russian entity designated to oversee the assets. This step is part of a broader framework, introduced in 2023, that enables authorities to move foreign-owned assets into temporary management.

The order explicitly includes 100% of participation interests in Metro Warehouse Noginsk among the assets to be managed. It also places a Metro-related real-estate company, Retail Property 5, under the same temporary administration structure. These measures collectively shift operational control of key Metro-linked entities in Russia to Torg Rus, while the ownership status is formally described as temporary management.

Company registry information shows that JSC UK Torg Rus was registered in Moscow earlier in September 2026, shortly before the presidential decree. The entity was set up with charter capital of 10,000 rubles, indicating a minimal initial capitalization. Despite its small charter capital, the company has been tasked with managing the full scope of Metro’s Russian stores, properties, and specified subsidiaries under the decree.

The registry also lists Johannes Maria Tolay, who heads Metro’s Russian unit, as the chief executive officer of Torg Rus. This alignment means that the same individual who leads Metro’s local operations is now formally in charge of the state-appointed management company. The structure suggests continuity in day-to-day operational leadership even as formal control is reassigned.

Metro’s Russian subsidiary has stated that the business continues to operate as usual following the transfer to temporary management. The company says it is fulfilling its obligations to customers, suppliers and employees despite the change in formal control. This indicates that stores remain open and engaged in regular commercial activity under the new management arrangement.

Reports differ on the exact number of Metro sites in Russia, with some citing around 91 and others about 93 locations, but all agree that a nationwide network of outlets is affected by the decree. The inclusion of both trading units such as Metro Warehouse Noginsk and real-estate entities like Retail Property 5 shows that the temporary administration covers both retail operations and underlying property assets.

The move to place Metro’s Russian assets under temporary state management follows earlier uses of a 2023 presidential mechanism for foreign-owned businesses. Under this framework, authorities can assign local operators to run assets while labeling the change as temporary management rather than a transfer of ownership. Recent actions have similarly targeted other foreign companies’ Russian operations.

Within this pattern, the Metro decision illustrates continued application of the temporary management tool to large international retailers active in Russia. While Metro’s local unit emphasizes continuity of operations and contract fulfillment, formal control over key assets and properties now lies with Torg Rus under the presidential order. Future developments will depend on how long the temporary arrangement remains in place and whether any further decrees adjust the status of these assets.