German government explains conditions under which Merz willing to speak with Putin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is generally willing to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, such contact must have a specific purpose, while Berlin still sees no willingness on Russia's part to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
German hypermarket chain Globus avoids Russian nationalizations and keeps expanding in wartime Russia. The company has continued to open new stores in Russia during the full-scale war, despite its owner, German billionaire Thomas Bruch, urging Berlin to engage in dialogue with Moscow. Russian authorities have seized the assets of foreign companies that were unwilling or unable to leave the country, with Putin placing the Russian business of JTI under temporary management.
The next target could be Coca-Cola's Russian subsidiary. Only a few companies, like Ariston, have regained operational control. Russian authorities target market leaders or prominent players when placing companies under temporary management. When Auchan and Leroy Merlin were placed under temporary management in September, German retailers Metro and Globus were also likely to follow suit.
Globus, however, escaped that fate. The company is a family business with nearly 200-year history, headquartered in Sankt Wendel, Germany.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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