24 of the 215 groups continuing their activities in Russia are French.
While several French companies left Russia at the beginning of the war, some others continue their operations in Russia almost as if nothing had happened. Of the 215 international groups still based in Russia, 24 are French, reveals Yale University (USA), which is interested in the topic.
Among the well-known brands: Auchan, Lacoste, Leroy Merlin, Vinci, Veolia, Bonduelle, Clarins, Etam, Dessange, La Redoute, Lactalis or the Accor group, a famous hotel group. The full list can be found in the document issued by the university.
Most of these companies have clarified their positions and explained why they stayed on Russian soil. “Our task is to do everything we can to ensure that the inhabitants of the countries where we are located can obtain quality food at an affordable price, thereby meeting the basic food needs of the civilian population,” explained Auchan in a press release. The group also announced that it had stopped all investments in Russia.
20 other companies clarified their positions in the JDD a few weeks ago. “Our global commitment is not significant,” said the Vinci Group, for example, while Lacoste stated, among other things, that it no longer sends deliveries of shares to Russia.
Finally, other companies such as Danone and Yves Rocher have announced that they will stop investing in Russia but will continue their main activity there.