Chinese Acquisitions Research Articles

“They own our country!” voter reaction to anti-China rhetoric: The case of the presidential election in Brazil in 2018

How do voters react to a presidential candidate who warns against investments from a foreign country? This study examines voter reactions to a presidential candidate warning against foreign Chinese investments, using the Brazilian 2018 campaign as a case study. Far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro repeatedly criticised Chinese acquisitions of national assets, particularly in natural resource extraction. By analysing geographically referenced data on Chinese investments and electoral data, I find that Bolsonaro's electoral success increased with higher levels of Chinese acquisitions, especially those related to natural resources. Post-election surveys also confirm a link between voting for Bolsonaro and rejecting Chinese investment. These findings highlight the connection between right-wing voters' fears of globalisation and the rise of far-right candidates. The study contributes to understanding the role of ideology and nationalism in shaping voter attitudes towards foreign investment during a presidential campaign.

Acquiring innovation – Do Chinese acquisitions in developed countries spur innovation at home?

Chinese multinationals’ acquisitions of Western firms have increased dramatically in recent years. However, relatively little is known about the effects of these acquisitions on the acquirers’ innovation. Using Chinese acquisitions in Western countries during 2000–2017 and applying matching and difference in difference methods, we find that Chinese acquirers innovate more after acquisitions. Their patenting activity significantly picks up after the acquisitions of high-tech firms in developed countries. The results give support to the widespread view that Chinese companies are acquiring foreign technologies through acquisitions; they also show that Chinese companies successfully transfer and incorporate the newly acquired technologies at home, especially if the parent company was an innovator before the acquisition. The results also show that the degree of product complexity of the target firms matters and increases the innovation activity of Chinese acquirers.

Chinese multinationals post-merger integration evolutions in developed markets from autonomy to actual-form integration: a lens of ambidexterity

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how Chinese multinational enterprises’ (CMNEs) autonomy-style post-merger integration (PMI) modes of managing developed-market targets evolve into actual-form integration through the lens of ambidexterity.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts multi-case comparisons with content analysis. A data set was collected from 37 conversations by in-depth interviewing 29 respondents regarding four cases of Chinese acquisitions in the German market.FindingsThis study develops a three-stage framework that theorised CMNEs’ autonomy PMIs’ evolution to actual-form integration over time and the effect on acquisition value based on structural, temporal and contextual ambidexterity manifestations. The findings divide the evolutionary trajectory into two sub-trajectories, from great autonomy to autonomy-integration balanced or full integration, to illuminate the effect of different degrees of actual-form integration on value creation or value destruction.Originality/valueThe existing literature on CMNEs’ PMI discovered that CMNEs frequently grant ample autonomy when managing targets acquired from developed markets. However, long-term acquisition benefit is dependent on combining autonomy and actual-form integration; insights into how this can be accomplished are limited. The research is unique in that it reveals the evolutions of CMNEs’ PMIs on developed-market targets, from autonomy to actual-form integration through the lens of ambidexterity.

Determinants of stock market reaction to cross-border acquisitions: evidence from emerging economies

PurposeThe global economy has witnessed an exponential increase in cross-border acquisitions (CBAs) by emerging market companies (EMCs), demanding a relook at their internationalization strategy. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether the announcement of CBAs by EMCs creates value for the equity-holders of acquiring firms and identify factors affecting the valuation of acquiring companies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the announcement impact of CBAs of CNX Nifty 500 Indian and SSE 380 Chinese companies. The event study analysis of 553 Indian and 125 Chinese acquisitions supports the contention that CBAs are indeed a strategic choice of EMCs for value creation.FindingsCBAs generate positive and statistically significant abnormal returns for shareholders of both Indian and Chinese acquirers. The markets, however, differ in terms of their motivations; country-level factors have been observed to exert significant influence on the returns of Indian acquirers. Indian companies experience larger value creation on acquiring firms established in developed, institutionally closer and/or economically distant markets. The findings support the asset-seeking motive of Indian companies.Originality/valueThe research work contributes to the evolving stream of CBAs literature with a focus on the globalization strategies of EMCs. The present study is a modest attempt to lay the foundation for a new theoretical framework (asset-seeking perspective) of overseas acquisitions from emerging economies. The existing studies on emerging economies have emphasized, in isolation, either Indian CBAs or international acquisitions by Chinese firms. Being so, the study is unique and original in the sense that it is a comparative study of India and China.

China and European Innovation: Corporate Takeovers and their Consequences

ABSTRACTWhile Europe has become the principal venue for new Chinese foreign direct investment, little of it has resulted in new (greenfield) production or research and development facilities. The bulk of this investment has been used to take over European companies, outstripping Chinese acquisitions in North America by 800 per cent. While some takeovers have been of insurance, sports, luxury goods and similar non‐strategic companies, many have been of innovation‐driven firms. This article explores the reasons for the preference — by Chinese state‐ and privately owned companies — for takeovers of this type of European company. Its working hypothesis is that there are correspondences between the continuing weaknesses in China's innovation system and the fact that Chinese companies have been partially shut out of the US and Japan, leading to the focus on cutting‐edge technological acquisitions in Europe. While these correspondences cannot be proven empirically, the article suggests that, given the available evidence and the context in which it arises (particularly the Chinese government's ‘Made in China 2025’ industrial agenda), the balance of presumption must be that these are key dynamics driving China's European acquisitions programme. Amongst its conclusions, the article suggests that Chinese corporate takeovers arguably problematize the future of European innovation and competitiveness and thus the technological robustness of Europe's economic development.

Financial performance analysis of German firms after Chinese mergers and acquisitions

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to look at Chinese mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Germany on a firm level. It focuses on the benefits and risks from the viewpoint of Germany. In this way, the authors want to close the research gap concerning the financial consequences of Chinese takeovers for the affected German firms. The purpose is to find out if Chinese investors show a specific behavior in terms of profitability, growth and business risks in the acquired companies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper studies the financial situation of German firms two years before and two years after being bought by Chinese companies, by analyzing accounting data of 19 target companies in six economic sectors. In this empirical study, firm performance is measured by profitability, research and development cost, liquidity and financial leverage. It is using the industry adjustment method and calculation of mean and weighted mean considering company size.FindingsOverall, German firms’ financial performance after Chinese M&A did not significantly improve, but they did not worsen either. The changes in financial ratios are different across economic sectors and company sizes. Obviously, the final performance of firms after M&A is quite diverse due to diverse company-specific targets. The results do not reflect common fears about deteriorating situations brought by Chinese involvement drawn in mass media.Research limitations/implicationsThe study lacks analysis for a longer period, ideally five years before and five years after M&A. The calculated results of industry mean may differ from the real industry mean, as components are collected from the sample companies accounting for only 70% of the market. Industry means figures are calculated for only one single point in time and assumed to be unchanged over the whole time period. The study covers mostly firms which have total assets of more than €50m, so SMEs are underrepresented.Practical implicationsOwners of German firms that are in target but have not been purchased by Chinese investors can see the trends and anticipate which group of M&A targets their firms are categorized into. If their firms belong to the group of sectors or company sizes that shows negative results of performance after Chinese M&A, they can plan to protect their firms by implementing defending strategies against hostile takeovers. If their firms are in the groups that tend to enhance performance after Chinese M&A, they may be in a good position and able to negotiate for mutually beneficial transactions.Social implicationsThe results are important for political and public discussion. It is shown that Chinese acquisitions of German firms do not have a deteriorating effect, at least not in the short-term. Therefore, the results are a good input to neutralize discussions in German society.Originality/valueThe results disagree with the few previous studies on Chinese M&A in Germany (Bollhorn, 2015; Müller, 2017; Löchel and Sächtig, 2019). While the studies of Bollhorn and Müller are based on subjective methods, the study is based on a detailed financial method. Then, in contrast to the study of Löchel and Sächtig, it is strictly focusing on Chinese/German M&A. Most existing empirical studies are focusing on cross-border M&As from developed to developing countries and there is little attention to acquisitions in the other direction (Ma et al., 2016, p. 22).

Regional social context and FDI. An empirical investigation on Chinese acquisitions in Europe

European regions are characterized by different economic, technical and social conditions. Such differences might also explain the different strength of European regions in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI). Following recent strands of literature, in this paper we try to identify whether the presence of regional differences in the social context, once considering a set of regional characteristics related to the economic structure and innovative endowments, affects the location of multinational enteprises. To do so, we develop an empirical model using data on Chinese brownfield investments towards European regions. Our results confirm that social context overall matters in location choices, even if heterogeneous effects arise when taking into account technological differences in target sectors. Our evidence is useful in increasing the awareness of policy-makers and of the academic debate on the necessity to consider possible spillover and backlash effects both of social policies and of FDI attraction initiatives.

The Herd Effect and Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions by Chinese Firms

ABSTRACT An analysis of firm level data from 393 completed Chinese firm cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CMA) from 2002 to 2019 revealed that there was a herd effect in Chinese CMA activities. The heterogeneity factors in the host country effects on the herd index found that the political environment was a significant positive herd effect determinant and exchange rate volatility, openness degree, and cultural distances were negative determinants. This research sheds light on Chinese firm CMA decision-making, which could assist in the development of appropriate policies to assist firms achieve better performances.

Make a promise: the valuation adjustment mechanism in Chinese private target acquisitions

The valuation adjustment mechanism (VAM) is a contingent-payment contractual arrangement used in the Chinese mergers and acquisitions (M&As) market. The ‘two-direction payment’ design of Chinese VAMs can reduce deal uncertainty and generate value, especially for poorly performing companies that can use VAM contracts to boost short-term performance. I find in this empirical investigation that acquirers applying VAM terms have significantly higher market returns after addressing endogeneity. I also document that poorly performing bidders sign larger VAM contracts, pay higher bid premiums and achieve higher operating performance, and which types of firms are more likely to adopt a VAM in transactions.

Investigating employee and organizational performance in across‐borderacquisition—A case of withdrawal behavior

AbstractOver the last two decades, performance management systems (PMSs) have been the focus of increasing attention. However, scant research has examined the link between individual‐ and organizational‐level performance in the context of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions. Employee withdrawal adversely affects organizations, and has thus been associated with negative consequences for organizations and regarded as a counterproductive work behavior. Our article presents an empirical investigation of determinants and consequences of employee withdrawal, and its impact on willingness to share tacit knowledge, knowledge transfer, and cross‐border acquisition performance in the context of Chinese acquisitions in the UK. Based on a cross‐sectional survey of 103 employees of an UK subsidiary and Chinese acquiring firm, we found that trust in the acquiring firm significantly reduces acquired firm employee withdrawal behaviors. Moreover, our findings indicate that employee withdrawal behaviors negatively impact employee willingness to share tacit knowledge. The findings further confirm that such willingness positively influences knowledge transfer, which, in turn, has a positive effect on cross border acquisition performance. Our article contributes to the PMS literature by enhancing the understanding of the process through which human resource management systems affect outcomes at different levels of analysis in the context of the cross‐border acquisitions.

The demand-side politics of China’s global buying spree: managers’ attitudes toward Chinese inward FDI flows in comparative perspective

I investigate public opinion toward Chinese FDI inflows in advanced economies, comparing attitudes toward such investment with attitudes toward American and European FDI inflows. I am interested in whether concerns with technology transfer (and related job losses) commonly associated with Chinese FDI resonate among the key target audience, namely managers. Accordingly, I expect managers to less strongly support Chinese FDI inflows relative to FDI inflows from advanced economies when they are employed in high R&D industries. I expect both self-interested and socio-tropic motives to drive the split in how managers view Chinese FDI vs. European and American FDI. Because technology transfer occurs in acquisitions, I also expect industry-level exposure to Chinese acquisitions to reinforce the negative joint impact of being a manager and employment in high R&D industries on support for Chinese FDI. Using original survey data from Switzerland, I find robust evidence for my expectations. The findings point to occupational characteristics and the fear of technology transfer as key drivers of opposition to Chinese FDI in advanced economies, and suggest that the demand-side politics of Chinese inward FDI is unique.

Chinese high-tech foreign direct investments in the EU – trends and policy responses

This paper aims to examine the trends of Chinese high-tech acquisitions in the EU countries, describe the policies that these acquisitions prompted on the level of member states and the EU, and analyze the effects of these policy responses. The results of the research review clearly show an increasing number of takeovers of European companies in the high-tech sectors, especially in the big member states such as Germany, France, or the UK. This created a backlash from the European policymakers that led to an introduction of tighter screening regimes in many EU member states and the creation of a common EU framework for FDI screening and its strategic management. At this point, it is hard to evaluate the complete effect of this new framework, but it must be concluded that 82 percent of the Chinese strategic acquisitions made in 2018 would fall under at least one criterion of the new EU framework. The findings of this paper provide sound recommendations for the EU countries and their public authorities targeting to control Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and limit the acquisition of local companies in sensitive industries. On the other hand, the coming recession may put at least a temporary halt on Chinese acquisitions of the European companies. Acknowledgment This paper is the partial result of the GAAA – Grantová agentura Akademické alliance grant project No. GA/6/2019 – Strategic Performance Management of Companies and Multinational Corporations in the Context of Globalization and Sustainability.

신흥국 기업 최고경영자의 정치적 연계가 국제인수합병 시 기업가치에 미치는 영향: 중국기업의 해외인수 분석

신흥국 기업 최고경영자의 정치적 연계가 국제인수합병 시 기업가치에 미치는 영향: 중국기업의 해외인수 분석

Organisational culture affecting post-merger integration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the principal organisational cultural dimensions that affect levels of post-merger integration (PMI) in Chinese acquisitions in Germany and to explore the relationship of these specific organisational cultural dimensions and levels of integration.Design/methodology/approachData set were collected using a structured questionnaire given to Chinese and German managers and employees, who implemented/were responsible for the PMI in 12 Chinese acquisitions in Germany. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed and there were 67 respondents, corresponding to a response rate of about 56 per cent. Principal components analysis, one-way ANOVA and bi-variate Spearman’s correlation were applied to analyse the data.FindingsFindings revealed that five organisational cultural dimensions (i.e. adaptability, consistency, involvement, balance and flexibility) were extracted to be the primary indicators affecting levels of integration in Chinese reverse mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the German market. Further, adaptability emerged as the only predictor with a significant negative implication on predicting the degree of PMI that Chinese investors would initiate to integrate their acquired German subsidiaries.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few studies to consider the specific organisational cultural dimensions affecting the integration levels of reverse M&As and is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, to explore the correlations of specific corporate cultural dimensions and integration levels in emerging multinational enterprises’ reverse M&As through quantitative research.

How Do Chinese Firms Perform Before and After Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions?

ABSTRACT To evaluate the financial performance of Chinese cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As), this research examined 86 cross-border M&As from 2007 to 2012, which included the 5 years before and the 5 years after the merger dates. Eighty-one domestic M&As were also chosen as the control group to compare the performances of cross-border and domestic M&As. The difference in difference (DID) results revealed that, in general, the cross-border M&As did not improve the firms’ financial performances and that the domestic M&As performed better. The feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) regression results indicated that the CNY exchange rate appreciation, infrastructure，labor costs, formal institutional distances, and technological levels in the host countries are significantly related to post-merger performances over the long run, and firms that acquired resource-oriented foreign firms had better long-term financial performances; however, state-owned firms were more likely to have worse profitability after the cross-border M&As, and host countries located in “One Belt One Road” (OBOR) regions showed poorer post-merger performances. The study results could be of valuable assistance to Chinese firms considering future cross-border M&As.

Chinese companies conquering the world: A descriptive analysis of the rapid rise of Chinese acquisitions.

In this article, we study the global acquisition trends of Chinese companies. We look at the countries and sectors they are investing in and the factors driving those investments. We consider the inflexion points and the changes before and after the Global Financial Crisis. The focus of the paper is the evolution of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), but we also consider greenfield investments and overall outward foreign direct investments. To that end, we use longitudinal data from three sources: the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ, and Financial Times fDi Markets. We note that M&A activity was key for the rapid growth and the fast internationalization pace of Chinese companies. While M&A is the entry mode of choice for Chinese firms to approach the developed world (Europe and the U.S.), greenfields are more common for expansion in Asia and Africa. The paper also provides comparisons with data from other emerging markets and the U.S.

Trade regimes as a tool for cyber policy

PurposeThis research develops a framework for assessing international trade regimes which could be used to address global cybersecurity challenges based on the corresponding costs of implementation and their distribution. Trade regimes, such as export controls, tariffs, investment restrictions and localization requirements, have disparate effects on foreign and domestic producers and consumers.Design/methodology/approachThese trade regimes and their effects are explored through a literature review and conceptual framework. A case study then assesses trends in the use of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).FindingsCFIUS investment restrictions have justified blocking specific Chinese acquisitions of American companies, at least partially, on cybersecurity grounds using a targeted and evidence-based approach. Because of its targeted effect, CFIUS is the least likely of these trade regimes to block legitimate international trade. Restrictions on international trade, without sufficient cause, produce dead weight loss under the theory of comparative advantage.Originality/valueThese costs should be accounted for in any policy-based decision, particularly as policy entrepreneurs increasingly push for embedding cybersecurity reforms into these trade regimes. While the literature on trade regimes and cybersecurity is growing, this paper advances this research with its comparative framework.

Performance commitment in acquisitions, regulatory change and market crash risk–evidence from China

We find that performance commitment provisions in Chinese acquisitions show positive economic outcomes measured by improved abnormal returns and lower market crash risk using hand-collected data. We further illustrate that the positive effects of performance commitment contracts are alleviated when TMTs have a high level of self-interests. We also investigate that, regulatory adjustments actually worsen the positive effect of performance commitment in acquisitions. The fact shows the short-termism effect of Chinese capital market imposed by the regulatory changing risk. Our study complements the earnout literature and show distinctive Chinese characteristics.

External sources of political connections: Financial advisors and Chinese acquisitions

AbstractThis study considers the effects of an external form of political connection, namely, politically connected financial advisors, on the value creation of Chinese acquiring firms over the period 2004–2014. Using data consisting of 1,623 Chinese mergers and acquisitions (M&As) deals, we show that politically connected financial advisors create significantly higher market value for acquiring firms, after controlling for firms' own political connections and reputation. Further analysis indicates that the appointment of political advisers can improve an acquiring firm's long‐term industry‐adjusted operating performance and help acquirers reduce bid premiums. We show that private firms and stock‐pay acquisitions are more likely to appoint politically connected financial advisors in M&A transactions, whereas our findings remain unchanged after controlling for endogeneities.

The organization of knowledge transfer in the context of Chinese cross-border acquisitions in developed economies

This article investigates how Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) organize knowledge transfer through cross-border acquisitions in developed economies, by employing an organizational learning perspective, and investigating Chinese acquisitions in the German industrial sector. Engaging in several activities (e.g., establishment of R&D centers, joint ventures, and staff deployment, etc.), Chinese enterprises ultimately aim for stimulating the interaction between the acquired target and the parent company. Challenging the conventional wisdom, knowledge transfer also happens reciprocally. The absorptive and disseminative capacities of both partners, along with the knowledge characteristics, and the intercultural issues, moderate the effectiveness of knowledge transfer.