Swiss Communications Minister Doris Leuthard has expressed concern about potential acquisitions by Chinese firms of 'strategically sensitive' companies in Switzerland. During a visit to technology companies in southern China, she called on the government to reflect on the issue. “We must do what Germany did many years ago, which is hold a discussion on how to react in the face of Chinese firms’ hunger for takeovers,” declared Leuthard in an interview published on Monday in the Aargauer Zeitung. According to Leuthard, Switzerland should insist on reciprocity, which means that takeovers without conditions should only be allowed if conversely, Swiss firms can make acquisitions in China. Currently, Swiss firms are only allowed to have joint ventures with Chinese firms. It is important that Swiss and Chinese companies negotiate on equal terms, she argues. + Why more Chinese companies will come to Switzerland In case of companies that are strategically important to Switzerland, she ...
