How German Retailer Globus Maintains Operations in Wartime Russia
Billionaire Thomas Bruch navigates sanctions by aligning with Kremlin interests and expanding local investments.
1Strategic Corporate Survival
German hypermarket chain Globus continues to operate in Russia despite the ongoing war. While many Western firms exited or faced state seizures, Globus maintains growth. Owner Thomas Bruch actively avoids the fate of companies like Metro, which faced temporary management, by positioning his business as a cooperative, pro-Russian economic entity.
2The Putinversteher Stance
Thomas Bruch is known in Germany as a 'Putinversteher,' a term describing those who justify Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy. Bruch has publicly blamed NATO expansion for the conflict in Ukraine. These ideological alignments serve as a protective shield, helping the company maintain favor with Russian authorities during periods of intense geopolitical tension.
3Financial Performance Disconnect
Globus reported 8 billion euros in total revenue for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, yet this figure excludes Russian operations. Since January 1, 2025, the Russian entity has operated independently. The Russian business generated 1.7 billion euros in revenue and 79 million euros in net profit during 2025, proving its significant economic value.
4Expansion as Protection
Russian authorities often target companies that scale back operations. To mitigate this risk, Hyperglobus announced a 4 billion ruble investment for a new 24,000-square-meter hypermarket in Zelenograd. By actively expanding its footprint, the company demonstrates commitment to the Russian market, effectively reducing the likelihood of being placed under state-appointed temporary management.
5Governmental and Military Ties
The company maintains indirect links to the Russian war effort. Hyperglobus participates in tenders for the presidential administration’s catering service. Furthermore, the Balashikha hypermarket has funded local groups collecting humanitarian aid for soldiers on the front line. These actions align the firm with domestic Russian priorities, further insulating it from seizure.
6High-Level Political Lobbying
In October 2026, Bruch appointed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to the Hyperglobus supervisory board. Schröder, a known associate of Vladimir Putin, provides expert advice and maintains direct access to the Kremlin. His recent visit to Moscow and meeting with the Russian president underscore the company's high-level efforts to secure its future.
7The Temporary Management Mechanism
Russian authorities use 'temporary management' to seize control of assets from 'unfriendly' nations. While not a formal change in ownership, it effectively forces owners to relinquish control. Companies like JTI and Coca-Cola’s subsidiary have faced this pressure. Only a few firms, such as Ariston, have successfully regained operational control after such interventions.
8Historical Business Context
Founded in 1828 in Sankt Wendel, Globus remains a family-owned business. Thomas Bruch took over in 1980, leading international expansion into the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and Russia. Despite its long history, the company remains smaller than competitors like Kaufland, which operates significantly more stores and maintains a broader international presence across Europe.
9Distancing from European Results
Globus’ German press office consistently emphasizes that the Russian business is a separate legal entity. This formal separation is a key strategy to isolate the European parent company from the reputational and legal risks associated with Russian operations. However, the shared ownership structure remains a point of scrutiny for international observers.
10Forum Attendance and Influence
Thomas Bruch was the only prominent German business leader to attend the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. His presence was highlighted by Russian media as a sign of continued German interest. Bruch used the platform to represent his Russian business interests, further distancing himself from the official stance of the German government.
11Market Leader Vulnerability
Russian authorities prioritize seizing market leaders or prominent players to exert political pressure. As the second-largest German retailer in Russia by revenue, Globus is a high-profile target. The company’s survival relies on a delicate balance of maintaining its market position while ensuring it does not become a political liability for the Kremlin.
12Future Outlook and Risks
Globus’ survival strategy hinges on continued political alignment and aggressive local investment. While the appointment of Gerhard Schröder provides a unique layer of protection, the unpredictable nature of Russian wartime nationalization remains a constant threat. The company’s future depends on its ability to remain useful to the Russian state while navigating international sanctions.
Original article: Meduza English — How German Retailer Globus Maintains Operations in Wartime Russia