The German retail groups Metro and Globus are allowed to transfer profits from dividend payments to Germany with a special permit from the Russian Ministry of Finance. Western companies in Russia are typically only allowed to withdraw 120 million rubles ($1.5 million) a year from Russia, but with a special permit, up to 50% of profits. However, this approval is rarely granted, writes the “Lebensmittelzeitung”. In order to receive them, the companies must meet certain conditions: according to the report, Metro and Globus had to pledge not to withdraw from Russia.