Russian Regulators Audit 200 McDonald's Stores as Nine are Closed

McDonald's announced that the Russian regulators are auditing more than 200 of the company's approximately 450 restaurants in the country. After Russian courts extended the closure of nine McDonald's restaurants over alleged health violations, the company said on its Russian corporate Web site, 'We disagree with the court decision and will appeal it in accordance with the law to a higher court.' The company said its main priority is the provision of quality and safe products to its visitors and taking care of its employees. McDonald's said it will do everything it can to continue the success of the company in Russia. The investigations and shutdowns follow U.S.-imposed sanctions against Russia, after its annexation of Crimea, and is speculated to be driven by political retaliation.