The conflict around the Russian subsidiary of the Baltika company Carlsberg has reached a new dimension. The agency reports that Interfax.
According to the publication, the parties have been exchanging letters since August, when Carlsberg accused Russia of violating international agreements. The company threatened to go to international arbitration if the dispute was not resolved within six months. In mid-March 2023, Carlsberg announced its withdrawal from Russia and signed a deal to sell Baltika in June. However, in July, President Vladimir Putin transferred 100% of Baltika shares to the management of the Federal Property Management Agency, thus derailing the deal. According to unofficial information from Interfax, the buyer would be the Arnest group.
In August, Carlsberg sent a letter to Russian authorities demanding compensation for damages resulting from the sale’s failure. The Ministry of Finance stated in a response letter in September that there was no need for payment. In October, the company filed a notice of dispute under three international agreements protecting foreign investment.
Carlsberg accused Russia of “illegal expropriation” and offered to resolve the dispute within six months. Otherwise, the company threatens to file a lawsuit in international arbitration. According to unofficial information, they agreed to pay 71 billion rubles for Baltika.
Formerly Carlsberg CEO Jacob Arup-Andersen statedHe said Russia was “stealing” the company’s business in the country. In response to Dmitry Medvedev He thanked Western companies for their contribution to Russian weapons.
Formerly US Treasury extended Sanctions against Russia.