The drama of 'Made in Italy': how China's new control strategy is squeezing Italian family capitalism
The days of easy money from the Far East are over. Once, Chinese state-owned companies were welcomed as saviors in need. Today, however, there is a fear of technology transfer and espionage, as the battle for the yacht builder Ferretti shows.
Chinese companies are increasingly taking control of Italian businesses, but not necessarily buying them outright. Instead, they are investing in and gaining operational control of companies, often in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Italian companies such as Giochi Preziosi, Bialetti, and Golden Goose have recently been acquired or invested in by Chinese firms, with the Chinese seeking access to industrial know-how, European supply chains, and technology.
This shift in Chinese investment strategy reflects a change in priorities, from seeking prestige trophies to gaining control and influence in key industries.
Written by urgent.news from NZZ Wirtschaft's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
