Foreign investors that left Russia with options have not yet applied for asset buyouts - First Deputy PM Manturov

MOSCOW. Feb 21 (Interfax) - Not a single foreign investor has applied thus far for the right to buy back its assets in Russia, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov told reporters.

Moreover, the right to do so has already expired for many companies, so they would have to discuss the terms and conditions for returning from the very start if they would like to return to the Russian market, Manturov said.

"The terms of options were indeed included in some contracts for the sale of the shares. However, no one, their decisions, even discussed these terms preliminarily regarding returning," he said.

Manturov recalled that the terms of the options were different for those who decided to exit the Russian market before 2023, after which President Vladimir Putin then decided to limit the terms of options to one year.

"Those who signed their contracts in 2022 and took care of their conditions probably have an opportunity. Those who did it after 2023, a year was the maximum, that is, all the conditions [for returning] would be discussed from scratch," Manturov said.

Manturov repeated the theme that Russia is ready to consider the return of foreign companies selectively. "We will consider each case separately and we will find solutions with those with whom cooperation is beneficial to us," he said.