The panel he will participate in is titled, “Red Sun Rising: Collaboration, Opportunity and the Growth of Tranformational Deal Activity in China.” Despite recent market volatility, China’s growth continues to spur substantial deal activity, from going private deals designed to help arbitrage US/China capital markets valuation differentials, acquisitions funded by China IPO proceeds or government financial assistance, China joint ventures as a funding mechanism for private U.S. companies, and other partnerships with Chinese companies (especially those affiliated with state owned enterprises (SOEs) to gain better access to the China domestic market.
According to one report, M&A activity in China, both in value and number of transactions, surged by 55% last year. China has the world’s fastest-growing market for semiconductors, which is sure to lead to further consolidation. The Chinese government has introduced measures to encourage outbound acquisitions by Chinese companies, particularly targeting companies with intellectual property assets. Many US companies are investing in China’s tech sector to preserve access to the country’s vast markets. This discussion offers an interesting look at a new driver of M&A and JV activity.
Moderator:
Euan Rellie, Senior Managing Director, BDA Partners
Panelists:
Selig Sacks, Partner / Co-Chair US/Greater China Practice, Foley & Lardner LLP
Harvey Fine, Managing Director, Global Investments & Strategies, Fosun International Limited