The world's largest toymaker, Denmark's Lego, said on Tuesday it would stop all its Russian operations, ending the employment of its Moscow staff and its partnership with a company operating 81 stores in Russia.
A Lego representative said the company had decided to “indefinitely cease commercial operations in Russia given the continued extensive disruption in the operating environment”.
This included terminating the employment of most of the Moscow-based team and a partnership with Inventive Retail Group which “operated 81 stores on the brand's behalf”, she added.
The company had already halted deliveries to Russia in March following the invasion of Ukraine.
“We confirm the termination of the contract with Lego,” an Inventive Retail Group representative said on Tuesday.
“Our company will continue to work as an expert in the category of construction and educational toys,” she said.
In early May, Russia placed Lego products on a list of goods that could be imported without the agreement of the intellectual property owner to bypass restrictions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine.
Among the list published by the industry and commerce ministry were Apple and Samsung smartphones, major car brands, game consoles and spare parts used in various industries.
Many western brands have exited Russia, seeking to comply with sanctions and deal with threats from the Kremlin that foreign-owned assets may be seized.
Premier Futsal 2017 Finals
Al Wasl Football Club; six teams, five-a-side
Delhi Dragons: Ronaldinho
Bengaluru Royals: Paul Scholes
Mumbai Warriors: Ryan Giggs
Chennai Ginghams: Hernan Crespo
Telugu Tigers: Deco
Kerala Cobras: Michel Salgado
Asian Cup 2019
Quarter-final
UAE v Australia, Friday, 8pm, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Tour de France 2017: Stage 5
Vittel - La Planche de Belles Filles, 160.5km
It is a shorter stage, but one that will lead to a brutal uphill finish. This is the third visit in six editions since it was introduced to the race in 2012. Reigning champion Chris Froome won that race.
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
