Ceetrus, part of the Auchan group and owner of nearly 300 shopping centers across Europe, may consider divesting its assets in Russia. This information comes from Vedomosti, which cites informed sources familiar with the discussions surrounding the company’s holdings in the country.
According to the newspaper’s conversations with industry insiders, Ceetrus’ shareholders have periodically contemplated removing Russian real estate from their portfolio over the past several years. Yet, the idea did not advance to formal negotiations with prospective buyers. At the same time, the sale of the group’s Russian shopping centers appears to be under review, with either formal approval already granted or processes near completion by a government commission.
The prospective asset sale is viewed as a move to lessen exposure to the Russian market, according to those briefed on the matter. The shift would reduce the risk profile associated with owning property in Russia, a risk that intensified after the start of Russia’s military operation and the broader geopolitical upheaval that followed.
In parallel, there is chatter about a potential buyer emerging from the local market. Reports indicate that Lidertrans, a logistics operator based in Tatarstan, is among the parties said to be expressing interest in acquiring Ceetrus’ Russian assets.
Representatives for Ceetrus in Russia have chosen not to comment on the matter for the time being, aligning with a cautious approach often observed during sensitive strategic discussions.
Earlier rumors placed the Nikolskaya Plaza shopping center, located roughly 200 meters from the Kremlin, on the auction block. The unfolding situation reflects the broader trend of foreign asset rationalization by European owners in Russia, driven by risk considerations and shifting political and economic conditions.
In a related development, Lazurit, a furniture company previously associated with the Nikolskaya Plaza property, was reported to be preparing a store opening within the premises of an IKEA location in Moscow, underscoring the dynamic reconfiguration of retail space in the capital.
These discussions come at a time when international retailers and investment groups evaluate their footprints in Russia amid sanctions, market volatility, and supervisory oversight. Industry observers note that asset sales or mergers involving European parents could have wider implications for retail tenancy mixes, development plans, and local investment climates. The situation remains fluid, with potential buyers keeping a close watch on regulatory signals, macroeconomic indicators, and safety considerations impacting real estate equity value.
Analysts point out that any decision to divest would likely weigh the immediacy of liquidity needs against long-term strategic goals. For Ceetrus, a cautious withdrawal could free capital for redeployment elsewhere in Europe or for strengthening balance sheets amid uncertain market dynamics. For Russian tenants and operators, these moves could reshape competition, pricing power, and access to prime retail corridors in major cities.
Given the opaque nature of ongoing deliberations and the sensitivity of cross-border real estate ventures, stakeholders are advised to monitor official statements from Ceetrus and regulatory bodies, as well as credible industry briefings. The evolving narrative in Russia’s retail real estate sector continues to attract attention from asset managers, retail chains, and regional governments alike. [Vedomosti, industry sources]