Couche-Tard and Philip Morris suspend Russian operations

Couche-Tard and Philip Morris have joined a host of other companies in suspending operations in Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Alimentation Couche-Tard, operating under its primary brand Circle K, announced it would suspend operations immediately across its 38 stores across Russia and that it would be taking care of its 320 employees in a “responsible and safe manner”.

Brian Hannasch, President and CEO of Couche-Tard, said the company condemns Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and the huge human impact it is having for both Ukrainians and Russians.

“Couche-Tard has had stores in Russia for nearly three decades, and we are proud of our Russian team members and their dedicated service to local customers and communities.”

Since the commencement of the crisis, Circle K teams in Poland, the Baltics, and across Europe have been supporting refugees with free fuel, food and beverages, housing, and donations to children’s charities.

While Philip Morris announced the suspension of planned investments in Russia along with plans to scale down its manufacturing operations amid ongoing supply chain disruptions and the evolving regulatory environment.

Jacek Olczak, CEO at Philip Morris International, said they stand in solidarity with the innocent men, women, and children who are suffering and support humanitarian efforts, provide aid, and do everything possible for its employees and the people of Ukraine.

“Given the situation, the Board of Directors and our Senior Management Team have decided to suspend all our planned investments in Russia and activate plans to scale down our manufacturing operations. We will support our employees in Russia through this period, including by continuing to pay their salaries.”

The businesses join a growing list of companies and organisations to cease operations in Russia including bp, Shell, Nike, and Ford Motor Company.

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