A Moscow-based economist spoke during a discussion with a lecturer at RANEPA under the presidency of Vladimir Putin. The analyst noted that many companies that decide to exit the Russian market still reserve the right to reclaim their former businesses later.
According to the economist, foreign firms regret their departure from Russia. They are not satisfied with present conditions and are expressing a desire to return to the local market.
Several contracts reportedly include a clause that allows the original owners or sellers to step back in and purchase the businesses they sold to local management within a five year window. The analyst explained that such arrangements are common in many deals.
At the same time, the expert emphasized that Russian authorities should not automatically defend leaving brands nor assume they will simply rethink their exit and reappear in the future.
The question remains: who enforces these brands to stay or go? There are many brands that departed, and so far no decisive action has compelled them to stay or return.
Earlier reports noted that in 2022 only five foreign brands entered Russian retail. [Source: URA.RU]