Metro

The Russian state has placed Metro’s Russian operations under forced administration. A commentary points out that German companies such as Metro, Globus and Knauf had ample time amid the ongoing war in Ukraine to decide whether to reposition or withdraw. The decision to remain in the Russian market makes the companies politically and economically vulnerable and, the commentary argues, was avoidable. » Mere på sueddeutsche.de

The Russian Metro subsidiary allegedly handed over 1 billion rubles (around €11 million) to the fund "Volksfront. Alles für den Sieg!", which says it will finance vehicles, communications, reconnaissance and drone‑defense equipment for the troops. Germany's Metro distances itself, saying the donation was neither coordinated nor approved; since the temporary state administration at the end of September the group has had no operational control over Metro Russia. The administrator is the newly registered company UK Torg Rus; its owner is Johannes Tholey, who has led Metro Russia since 2023. » Mere på t-online.de

The food wholesaler Metro is ending its business in Kazakhstan after nearly two decades and will close six wholesale markets and its supply operations by the end of March 2027. Around 650 employees are affected. Metro cites difficult long-term growth prospects as the reason; the business generated about €143 million in revenue in 2024/25 (0.4% of group sales). The company emphasizes that the decision was made independently of recent developments in Russia. » Mere på finanzen.net

The Russian government has placed Metro’s national subsidiary under temporary forced administration with immediate effect and transferred operational control to the newly registered company UK Torg RUS, which was registered a few weeks earlier by Johannes Tholey. Tholey, formerly CEO of Metro Russia, is now named in the leadership role, raising questions about possible ties to the Kremlin and the circumstances of the company’s formation. Metro says it no longer has access to the national subsidiary; the Russian business recently accounted for about ten percent of group revenue and more than 15 percent of Metro’s EBITDA. The development coincides with a CEO change in Düsseldorf and the majority takeover by Daniel Křetínský, sharpening Metro’s strategic situation. » Mere på wiwo.de

By presidential decree Metro’s assets in Russia were transferred to the newly formed company UK Torg RUS, which reports say belongs to German manager Johannes Tholey. Metro said it remains the formal owner but has “no operational control” over the Russia business. The move follows a series of similar transfers of foreign companies in Russia, even though Metro recently generated high profits there and employs about 9,000 people. » Mere på faz.net