A presidential decree published September 17, 2026, placed Nestlé S.A.’s Russian operations under temporary state control. The state-appointed firm LEV Management now manages Nestlé’s shares in its local subsidiaries.
The seizure includes six factories and removes Nestlé’s control over a business employing approximately 7,000 people. This Russian division accounts for 1% to 2% of the company's total global sales.
Nestlé shares fell as much as 2.4% following the announcement. The company is assessing all options to protect its rights and ensure business continuity for its employees.
The move follows a 2023 decree targeting assets from nations the Kremlin deems unfriendly. Russia previously executed similar seizures against Western companies including Danone and Carlsberg.