How German hypermarket chain Globus avoids Putin’s nationalizations and keeps expanding in wartime Russia

German supermarket chain Globus has kept opening stores in Russia during the war in Ukraine, while its main shareholder, Thomas Bruch, has publicly advocated dialogue with Moscow. Its continued operations and Bruch’s appearances at Kremlin-organised events have drawn attention, especially as Russian authorities take control of some foreign companies’ local businesses.

The article says Globus is the second-largest German company still operating in Russia by revenue, according to the Leave Russia project. Putin has placed around 20 companies under temporary management, a step that often leads owners to surrender their assets; German retailer Metro was among the targets. Bruch, 76, attended the 2026 St Petersburg International Economic Forum, and Forbes estimates his wealth at $1.6 billion.