Decathlon has reached agreements to divest several of its stores in Russia, with the purchase approvals now granted by the Government Commission for Control of Foreign Investments in the Russian Federation. A well-placed source cited by News confirms that a number of Decathlon sites are being prepared for transfer, underscoring that these locations are spread across multiple regions and are not considered strategic assets for the retailer.
Industry officials have clarified that the deals involve shops located in different regions. The commission’s decision paves the way for the sales, which indicate Decathlon’s readiness to recalibrate its presence within the Russian market. The ministry overseeing industry and trade in Russia corroborated this stance, noting that the properties in question are spread over several areas and that their sale aligns with regulatory expectations for nonstrategic retail assets.
According to the Izvestia informant, the transactions center on the sale of five stores in various regions. The report points to a broader pattern of the retailer expanding its footprint only where it makes sense from a regulatory and business standpoint. In recent history, the company completed deals involving two sites, with the government commission also issuing the necessary permits for those acquisitions. This move continues a trend of careful portfolio adjustments by Decathlon rather than a wholesale retreat from the Russian market.
Previously, there were discussions about possible acquisitions within the Russian sporting goods sector. The Sportmaster group, for instance, reportedly explored taking over BlueBox shops, which are known for their blue branding. Decathlon, however, did not proceed with this particular arrangement, choosing to retain its existing operational strategy and focus for the time being. The overall narrative suggests a measured approach by the international retailer as it navigates the regulatory environment and market conditions in Russia, balancing brand presence with strategic risk management.
For readers tracking international retail activity, the ongoing developments illustrate how large global brands adjust their regional portfolios in response to regulatory approvals, market dynamics, and corporate risk assessments. Analysts note that such moves often reflect a broader reassessment of geographic exposure and capital allocation, aiming to preserve core business goals while complying with national investment controls. The evolution of Decathlon’s store network in Russia may also influence competitor behavior and future investment patterns across the region, as other retailers watch closely how regulatory authorities classify nonstrategic assets and approve related transactions.