The analysis External linkby Dutch consultancy Datenna, published in the Swiss newspaper Le Temps, claims that 19 of 36 Swiss acquisitions by Chinese companies over the past decade can be linked to the Chinese state.
This means that the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) is either part of the Chinese government (high level of influence) or the Chinese government has a substantial stake in the acquiring company but not a controlling one (medium influence).
Over 650 acquisitions in Europe were analysed of which 161 showed high influence by the Chinese state (around 25%) and 103 medium influence (15%). Switzerland placed seventh in Europe in terms of influence of the Chinese government over acquisitions.
Swiss commodity firms were especially favoured for acquisition with stakes in Mercuria, Silk Road Commodities, Duferco and Glencore HG Storage International sought by Chinese giants like ChemChina, China Molybdenum, Hebei Steel and HNA. The biggest acquisition in Europe recorded by Datenna was Swiss company Syngenta, which was purchased by ChemChina in 2016 for CHF43.8 billion ($48 billion).
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Beer sales in Switzerland watered down by bad weather
This content was published on
The past brewing year fell through in Switzerland, partly due to the bad weather. Beer sales shrank again. For the first time, per capita consumption fell below the 50 liter mark.
Compensation for Syrian after pregnant wife denied help on Swiss train
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Court has partially upheld the appeal of a Syrian family being deported from Switzerland to Italy in 2014. The man now also receives compensation.
Swiss-EU negotiations: Cassis to meet Sefcovic in Bern
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic, in Bern on Wednesday.
Heavy snowfall in Switzerland causes traffic chaos and accidents
This content was published on
The heavy snowfall late on Thursday and during the night into Friday led to traffic chaos and many accidents in many regions of Switzerland.
Chimpanzee behaviours passed down through generations
This content was published on
Some of the complex behaviours of chimpanzees have been passed down and refined over generations. These include the combination of several tools for foraging.
More than 600,000 rounds of Swiss sniper ammunition reach Ukraine
This content was published on
Sniper ammunition from Swiss P Defence reached Ukraine via a Polish company in July 2023, reported SRF Investigativ on Thursday, citing official information.
Switzerland launches national digital inclusion alliance
This content was published on
The Swiss government launched the Swiss Digital Inclusion Alliance on Thursday with the goal of giving as many people as possible access to digital services.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss firms to be protected from foreign investors
This content was published on
Parliament has called on the Swiss government to make investments by foreign companies in Swiss firms subject to official approval.
This content was published on
Swiss authorities want to renew a discreet agreement allowing Beijing officials to enter the country and question Chinese citizens residing here illegally.
Swiss government rejects takeover restrictions on Chinese firms
This content was published on
The Swiss government has dismissed talk of introducing investment controls on Chinese companies despite requests from parliament to examine the risks.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.