European Interest

Chinese investments down in Europe

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Geely headquarters in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China. China's biggest deal in Germany was also China's largest investment Europe-wide, notably the estimated $8.7% investment by carmaker Geely in German auto manufacturer Daimler.

China’s investment activities across Europe have dropped, according to a study published on February 5 by consultancy EY. The findings suggest that China’s mergers and acquisitions in Europe dipped by 21% last year with a total of 196 M&A deals registered in 2018.

The decline in Chinese investment activities on the Continent was particularly dramatic in the second half of 2018 when the number of acquisitions decreased by 26%, and the number of investments in Germany plunged by a staggering 60%.

As reported by Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, there were only 10 Chinese transactions in Germany in the final six months of last year, with the number of takeovers hitting low levels last seen in the first half of 2013.

Pretty much yes. Overall Chinese investment volumes in Europe last year tanked by 46% to reach $31.2bn.

Roughly one-third of that money flowed to Germany where the Chinese invested $10.7bn, marking a 22% decline.

China’s biggest deal in Germany was also China’s largest investment Europe-wide, notably the estimated $8.7% investment by carmaker Geely in German auto manufacturer Daimler, reported DW.

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