Chinese Enterprise's Acquisition of German Logistics Company Zippel Faces Resistance
According to Germany's ARD television network, a Chinese enterprise is now planning to acquire a historically significant German logistics company.
Green trucks with yellow "Zippel" lettering have long been a hallmark of Hamburg’s landscape. Since 1876, this logistics service provider has been responsible for transporting goods—from the port to surrounding and distant regions. While traditionally relying on truck transport, it has recently also expanded into rail container shipping.
Yet this longstanding enterprise may now be facing a major turning point: a Chinese company plans to acquire 80% of Zippel’s shares. The German Federal Cartel Office has already approved the deal.
It is reported that Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has internally expressed clear opposition to the transaction.
The constitutional protection agency reportedly cited concerns over Chinese companies’ “cumulative acquisition behavior” within Germany and the European Union.
The final decision rests with the federal cabinet.
However, the German government’s review outcome regarding the Zippel acquisition remains unclear. Both the Ministry of Economics and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution have declined to comment. Zippel Company and the Chinese Embassy in Berlin have also not responded. The Chinese enterprise stated that it currently "cannot make any comments." It is expected that the German government will make a decision on the acquisition before its summer recess.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863935307453450/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author