Negotiations over the sale of Decathlon stores in Russia are ongoing, with no final agreement reached at this time. Reports from DEA News, citing a source within Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, confirm that the deal has not yet been closed and that both sides remain engaged in discussions.
According to the same source, the parties are actively negotiating the terms of the purchase, and no definitive timeline has been set for a closed transaction. The spokesperson noted that the stores will operate under a new brand name once the arrangement reaches completion, but the official opening schedule has not been disclosed yet by the ministry insider.
Earlier chatter on social channels suggested a October 2023 relaunch of the stores under new ownership. A prominent Telegram channel, Mash, claimed that the assets would be acquired by the owner of the Mango franchise, and that ARM had already secured all 35 Decathlon stores in Russia along with a Decathlon warehouse. Those claims have not been independently confirmed by government or company sources and remain part of ongoing market speculation.
Industry observers have pointed to continued interest from potential buyers in Russia, with several groups reported to be evaluating the Decathlon assets. The situation illustrates how strategic retail holdings in the country can attract interest from multi-brand operators seeking to expand their footprint in the Russian market, even as regulatory and logistical considerations remain in focus.
As negotiations proceed, analysts emphasize that any final agreement will need to address the transition of store operations, inventory management, and supplier arrangements. Stakeholders expect detailed plans covering branding, staff continuity, and the disposition of existing contracts with suppliers and landlords. The final structure of the deal will likely influence the speed at which new branding and management arrangements are implemented across the network.
In the meantime, the market continues to monitor developments for possible shifts in regional retail dynamics, consumer access to sporting goods, and the broader impact on foreign-brand retail presence in Russia. Observers stress that the outcome of the talks will depend on a range of factors, including regulatory approvals, financial terms, and the ability to guarantee a seamless customer experience during the transition. Attribution: DEA News citing a ministry source and market observers.