May 16 (Reuters) – Renault (RENA.PA) is to sell its majority stake in carmaker Avtovaz (AVAZI_p.MM) to a Russian science institute reportedly for just one rouble with a six-year option to buy it back, leaving the door open for the French carmaker’s return.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said to preserve thousands of jobs Renault’s plant in the city would be used to restart production of the Soviet era Moskvich brand.
The Western carmaker most exposed to the Russian market, Renault said on Monday its holding of nearly 67.69% in Avtovaz would be sold to the Russian Central Research and Development Automobile and Engine Institute, called Nami.
“The closing of these transactions is not subject to any conditions, and all required approvals have been obtained,” it added.
Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that Renault Russia and the Avtovaz stake were sold for a symbolic one rouble ($0.016) each. Its 100% shares in Renault Russia will go to the city of Moscow.
Renault had valued its Russian assets at 2.2 billion euros ($2.29 billion) last year.
“Today, we have taken a difficult but necessary decision, and we are making a responsible choice towards our 45,000 employees in Russia,” the carmaker’s CEO Luca de Meo said.
The move preserved the group’s performance and its ability to return to the country in future in a different context, he added.
The iconic Moskvich, which translates as a native of Moscow, ceased production around two decades ago.
But Mayor Sobyanin said Moscow was working with truck maker Kamaz Inc (KMAZ.MM) and Russia’s industry and trade ministry to localise as much vehicle component production in Russia as possible.
Renault said in March that it would suspend operations at the Moscow plant amid mounting pressure over its continued presence there since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.
Renault, 15% owned by the French state, confirmed a non-cash writedown of nearly 2.2 billion to reflect the potential costs of suspending Russian operations.
More than 400 companies have withdrawn from Russia since it invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, leaving behind assets worth billions of dollars.
Russia calls its actions a “special operation” to disarm Ukraine and protect it from fascists. Ukraine and the West say the fascist accusation is baseless and the war is an unprovoked act of aggression.
($1 = 63.8370 roubles)
($1 = 0.9593 euros)
