Aixtron has announced that the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy has withdrawn vis-à-vis Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund LP.
As indirect shareholder of Grand Chip Investment GmbH, its Clearance Certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung) issued on September 8, 2016 and announced a reopening of review proceedings in connection with the takeover offer by Grand Chip Investment GmbH.
Aixtron SE was informed about such decision in the late evening of October 21, 2016.
No further official details have been released why the planned takeover is being reviewed.
However, other reports are suggesting that the Germany Government is seeking tighter control over foreign investment in European companies, in a sign of a growing protectionist reaction to China’s appetite for overseas acquisitions.
The reports suggest that Aixtron was also surpised by the late intervention of the Germany Government but said it wants to assist the bidder and authorities to alleviate possible concerns about the takeover.