Foreign investors who have left Russia but have entered into options for the repurchase of assets may face difficulties in returning. If the enterprise has significant influence on the economy, the authorities may prohibit the transaction for the return of shares. Such amendments to the law 'On Foreign Investments in the Russian Federation' have been prepared by the State Duma Committee on Property, reports the newspaper 'Izvestia'.
The decision to impose a ban will be made by the relevant agency. The draft law has already been sent to the government, and the Ministry of Economic Development is preparing a review. The ministry confirmed that the document is under consideration, emphasizing that the issue requires a comprehensive approach.
In addition, the Russian owner may refuse to execute the option unilaterally — if the foreign company is registered in an unfriendly jurisdiction, if the transaction took place from February 2022 to March 2025, if the price is below market value, or if more than two years have passed since the agreement.