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Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has arrived in Moscow and met employees of the Globus hypermarket chain, RBC reported. His visit follows his appointment to the supervisory board of Giperglobus LLC, while the German-owned retailer continues operating in Russia.
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has arrived in Moscow and met employees of the Globus hypermarket chain, Russian outlet RBC reported, in his first reported visit there since joining the company’s supervisory board. The visit brings the former German leader to a retailer that continues operating in Russia after the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
RBC, citing unnamed sources, reported that Schröder gave a welcome address to Globus employees before leaving to speak with them “behind closed doors.” His itinerary also includes a visit to one of the chain’s hypermarkets. The report did not specify which store he planned to visit or provide details of the private employee meeting.
Earlier in October, it emerged that Schröder had joined the supervisory board of Giperglobus LLC, the company operating the retailer in Russia. Owner Thomas Bruch said Schröder was appointed because of his years of experience in Russian politics and business. The available report does not give further details about Schröder’s board responsibilities or the terms of his appointment.
Globus is among a small number of foreign retailers that have continued operating in Russia since the invasion began. The chain has more than 20 stores in eight Russian regions and still has German shareholders, according to the report. Its continued presence makes the appointment and the visit relevant to questions about the operations and governance of foreign-owned businesses in Russia.
A German Retailer’s Moscow Presence
Schröder’s appointment and Moscow visit draw attention to the position of foreign businesses still operating in Russia. Globus has retained a store network and German shareholders despite the war, while some other international retailers have faced a different form of state involvement.
The visit also places Schröder’s long-standing ties to Russia in a corporate setting. He has visited Russia several times since the invasion and met President Vladimir Putin, according to the report. His new board role does not, by itself, establish what influence he will have over the retailer or its decisions.
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From Board Appointment to Moscow Visit
The reported visit follows Schröder’s appointment to the Giperglobus supervisory board earlier in October. Bruch described his Russian political and business experience as the reason for selecting him. The reported employee meeting and planned store visit are the first activities connected to that role described in the source report.
The business environment has also shifted for other retailers. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin placed the assets of Metro Cash & Carry, Auchan and Lemana PRO, formerly Leroy Merlin, under temporary management by Russian companies. Nestlé Russia was also placed under temporary management. These cases provide context for Globus’s continued operations, but the report does not say that the chain has been placed under temporary management.
“Bruch said Schröder was appointed for his many years of experience in Russian politics and business.”
— Globus owner Thomas Bruch
Russian grocery store shopping cart
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Details of the Visit and Role
The report does not say which Globus store Schröder will visit, what he discussed with employees privately, or whether the meeting was connected to specific company decisions. The precise scope of his supervisory-board duties and the terms of his appointment are also not reported.
RBC’s account of the employee meeting relies on unnamed sources. No direct statement from Schröder or further explanation from Globus about the visit is included in the source material. It is also unclear whether the visit will lead to any changes in the retailer’s operations or ownership arrangements.
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The Planned Hypermarket Visit
Schröder’s itinerary reportedly includes a visit to one of Globus’s hypermarkets, but the report provides no location or schedule. Further details about that stop, his board role, or the employee meeting may clarify what the visit involved.
For now, the confirmed development is his reported arrival in Moscow and meeting with employees, alongside his recently announced appointment. No new decision concerning Globus’s Russian operations has been reported.
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Key Questions
Why did Gerhard Schröder visit Moscow?
The report says he met Globus employees after joining the supervisory board of Giperglobus LLC. His itinerary also includes a visit to one of the chain’s hypermarkets, though the purpose of that stop was not specified.
What did Schröder do with Globus employees?
RBC, citing unnamed sources, reported that he gave a welcome address and then spoke with employees behind closed doors. The content of the discussion has not been reported.
Why was Schröder appointed to the board?
Globus owner Thomas Bruch said the appointment reflected Schröder’s experience in Russian politics and business. Further details about his responsibilities were not included in the report.
Is Globus still operating in Russia?
Yes. The report says Globus continues to operate more than 20 stores across eight Russian regions and still has German shareholders.
Has Globus been placed under temporary management?
The report does not say that Globus has been placed under temporary management. It describes such measures for other retailers, including Metro Cash & Carry, Auchan and Lemana PRO, and for Nestlé Russia.
Source: rss
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