In a joint statement, the top management of the retail chains Euroset, Svyaznoi, M-Video, Tekhnosila and Eldorado explained the decision by Panasonic's "unscrupulous, and at times illicit, business schemes" in Russia.
Citing oversight agencies, the companies said Panasonic has repeatedly dodged Russian import duties and brought in appliances lacking proper documentation on their technical specifications and user instructions.
Also, unlike other electronics manufacturers, Panasonic avoids using direct import schemes for products distributed in Russia and opening assembly lines locally.
The retailers said they have more than once approached Panasonic's top management with requests to address the problem, but that no adequate measures have been taken in response.
"Many market operators are under the impression that the management of Panasonic turns a blind eye to these scandalous facts, thereby tarnishing their own reputation, as well as that of companies responsible for the household appliances, electronics and telephone equipment they distribute [in Russia]," they said.
Panasonic denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the Russian companies' accusations as unfounded.
"The accusations of gray imports are absolutely groundless," a spokeswoman for Panasonic's Russia Office, Inna Borshchyova, said. "We would like to resolve this amicably, clarifying the situation in talks with the retail chains, as, indeed, there is no fault of ours here whatsoever."
