// Agent Provocateur continues to operate in Russia despite war on Ukraine

// The lingerie brand argues that its store presence in Russia is “very small”

Agent Provocateur is facing pressure to exit Russia as the nation continues its war on Ukraine.

The lingerie retailer has said its stores in Russia are under a “system set up by the previous owner of the business, many years ago”, and the company itself “does not ‘operate’ there”.

Agent Provocateur said the stores are “operated by franchisees under franchise/licensing agreements”, The Guardian reported.

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The retailer has continued to sell its goods in Russia despite several retailers shuttering their stores in the country.

However, it argued that the number of stores in the country are “very small”.

Agent Provocateur added that the agreements it has are confidential and it is not free to discuss the terms or any negotiations relating to them.

There are 10 Agent Provocateur franchise stores in Moscow, as listed on agentprovocateur.ru.

Agent Provocateur was founded in 1994 and was bought in 2017 for £30 million by Four Holdings.