The amount invested by global players in mainland companies
soared more than 50 percent in the 12 months to June, as overseas
investors sought to plug into the rapidly expanding economy,
according to a report.
Global accounting firm Grant Thornton's report found that 266
international companies from 41 countries and regions bought shares
worth US$14 billion from their mainland counterparts in the 12
months to June 30, representing a 52 percent year-on-year growth
from US$9 billion.
"It seems that international companies can't afford not to be on
the mainland. Doing business on the mainland is no longer an option
for more affordable business costs, but a natural choice for all
shareholders," Grant Thornton's associate director Martin Cheung
told China Daily.
"Everyone wants to tap the China market and the trend will keep
going as long as the country's economy maintains its current pace,"
said Cheung.
Grant Thornton's report, "Buying into China 41 countries enter
the dragon," shows that the financial services sector proved to be
the most attractive investment, with almost US$10 billion worth of
international funds pouring into mainland service companies.
"It is very tempting for all sectors wanting to invest in China;
however, with the average financial services deal being US$322
million, it is clear to see that this is currently where the
greatest investment opportunities lie," said Desmond Yuen, a
partner and head of Grant Thornton's China services.
The high technology sector received the highest number of deals
according to the report, followed by materials and industrials.
In the 12-month period, US companies claimed a 26.1 percent
market share and completed 62 deals worth US$5 billion.
Singapore investors made US$1 billion worth of transactions,
accounting for 11 percent of investment activity.
Cheung said the mainland's newly imposed merger and acquisition
laws would not halt the influx of overseas investors in the long
run.
"The regulators are very open-minded and likely to relax some
restrictions to be in line with international norms," said
Cheung.
But international companies still have many hurdles to overcome
as the mainland's booming economy develops.
And merger and acquisition activities are not one-way; there are
more outbound activities initiated by the mainland's giant
enterprises looking for opportunities in overseas markets.
The most recent acquisition was made by China Construction Bank,
the country's third-largest lender.
It inked an agreement with Bank of America in late August to
acquire 100 percent of the equity interest in its Hong Kong and
Macao operations for US$1.24 billion.
Lenovo became the world's No 3 personal computer manufacturer
when it bought US behemoth IBM's PC business for US$1.25 billion
last year.
The mainland has increased its investment in West Africa to
reach US$3 billion in the past three years, as the nation's oil
giant China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) invested
US$2.3 billion in Nigerian offshore oil and gas fields.
(China Daily September 5, 2006)