(Bloomberg) --
Russia named McDonald's Corp. a systemically important business as the government tripled the number of such companies to help brace for a possible recession, according to the Vedomosti newspaper.
Ikea and Auchan Holding SA were among the other foreign firms deemed vital to the economy after a government commission expanded the list to 600 companies from about 200 previously, Vedomosti reported Monday, citing a copy of the list.
Russia is trying to shore up some of its biggest employers and essential services as the economy is rocked by the twin shocks of coronavirus and the collapse of oil prices. Crude has been hobbled by falling demand and a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia, sending the ruble down 23% this year.
McDonald's, which opened its first restaurant in Moscow in 1990, is a favorite foil for populist Russian politicians. But it is one of the country's leading fast-food operators and runs more than 800 restaurants across Russia.
Systemically important businesses will be subject to stress tests starting next week and may qualify for additional state support. Other companies added to the list include airlines and grocery stores, Vedomosti reported.
The government is earmarking 300 billion-ruble ($3.7 billion) to offset the effects of the epidemic. Russia, which has halted most international passenger travel and closed schools from this week, is considering stricter measures to limit the disease's spread.
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