Approximately one-third of U.S. firms that exited Russia following the extensive invasion of Ukraine have witnessed their buyback options lapse, as stated by the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham) in an interview published on Monday.
“While some buyback options are still active, about 30% have already lapsed,” commented AmCham Russia President Robert Agee to the Russian business publication Expert.
Agee had previously estimated that around 150 U.S. companies had ceased operations in Russia, while a similar number remained active in the region.
According to legal experts, buyback options continue to exist in sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, services, and hospitality. However, they are largely missing in high-tech industries like aviation and semiconductors, where Russia is keen to attract Western companies back due to local shortages.
Experts also point out that accurately assessing the rate of expired options is challenging, as some exit agreements included undisclosed repurchase terms.
Agee noted that the duration of buyback windows has been reduced in recent years, shrinking from as much as five years in 2022 to just three years in 2023, and indicated that firms exiting Russia nowadays often do not have the option to buy back at all.
The recent direct discussions between U.S. and Russian officials have led to speculation that some Western companies may contemplate re-entering the Russian market if a peace agreement regarding Ukraine is reached.
Russian authorities have suggested strategies for managing a potential large-scale return of foreign companies. However, President Vladimir Putin cautioned that any such return would have to adhere to stringent protectionist conditions.
In February, the CEO of the car manufacturer AvtoVAZ mentioned that Renault, the company’s former owner, would have to reinvest nearly $1.3 billion to utilize its six-year buyback option. Renault sold its majority stake in AvtoVAZ in 2022 for a nominal price of 1 ruble.
“We believe it is important to acknowledge buyback options. Russia’s adherence to these commitments would send a positive signal to companies contemplating a return,” Agee remarked to Expert.
