Walmart has sold its furniture business to Russia’s state-owned Russian company Leviton for $2 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
The purchase will give the Russian furniture giant a significant foothold in the American marketplace, the report said.
The deal comes after Walmart announced earlier this year it was considering selling off its U.S. furniture business, which is based in Florida.
The news comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia.
The two countries have traded accusations of cyberattacks, the use of military hardware and other foreign aggression.
The move comes amid a growing tension between the two nations.
A year ago, the Russian government seized U.N. computers and other data, which was released to the media.
It also announced it had arrested U.K. police officers who were investigating alleged Russian meddling in the Brexit referendum.
Walmart has been the target of criticism from U. S. lawmakers and business groups for its role in the collapse of the U.W.O. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the company faced a backlash from shareholders, as well as lawmakers.
The company has also been accused of paying workers less than the minimum wage.