You Won’t Be Able to Get a Big Mac in Moscow Ever Again
IntelligencerMay 16, 2022
On Mon., fast-food giant McDonald's retreat from Russia began with the removal of a golden arches sign outside Moscow - a week after the company announced its plans to sell and leave the Russian market entirely following the invasion of Ukraine.
The fast-food chain has agreed to sell its Russian locations to local licensee Alexander Govor who operates 25 locations throughout Siberia. Via the acquisition, Govor has also agreed to retain all Russian Mcdonald's employees for at least two years and pay the salaries of local corporate employees until the deal closes.
McDonald's choice to exit from Russia should be applauded. The Golden Arches used to symbolize that Western values had penetrated the Iron Curtain; the company's wise exit is now a symbol of democracy curdling under Putin.
The sale of McDonald's will provide an opportunity for Russian businesses to come in and fill the void. This will not only provide the Russian people with a replacement eatery but also a chance to strengthen the national economy.