Auchan's Russian Exit Blocked: Authorities Reject Sale, Impose Temporary Management

French retailer Auchan agreed to sell its Russian operations in summer 2026, but Russian authorities withheld approval and placed the network under temporary management, per Izvestia. This marks a further tightening of Russian state control over foreign asset exits, signaling reduced predictability for Western firms seeking divestment. The move could deter other companies from pursuing orderly exits and may escalate tensions between Moscow and Western corporate stakeholders.