German carmaker Mercedes-Benz is expected to sell its Russian assets to a local investor, the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry said Wednesday, becoming the latest automaker to exit since Moscow sent troops to Ukraine.
"Mercedes-Benz intends to sell its shares in Russian subsidiaries to a local investor," Avtodom, the ministry said in a Telegram statement.
"The new owner of the Russian divisions of Mercedes-Benz, Avtodom, will be able to attract other companies as partners for joint productions," the ministry added.
Mercedes-Benz confirmed it intended to sell in a separate statement.
"The fulfillment of obligations to customers in Russia... as well as the preservation of jobs for employees of the Russian divisions of the company" were the priority in concluding the deal with Avtodom, general director of Mercedes-Benz-RUS Natalya Koroleva said.
"The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of all relevant authorities," Mercedes-Benz said in the statement.
Many Western companies left Russia for ethical or logistical reasons since Moscow launched what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine on Feb. 24.
No financial details of the transaction were provided by either side on Wednesday.
Western sanctions imposed on Russia since the beginning of the Ukraine offensive have heavily disrupted supply chains.
The technology and car manufacturing sectors were particularly affected.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
