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UK Blocks Chinese Takeover of Microchip Factory in Wales

Britain blocks Chinese takeover of chip factory in Wales, saying the move was prompted by national security concerns.


A worker inspects chips at the semiconductor packaging firm Unisem (M) Berhad plant in Ipoh
Analysts say Chinese companies had been "extraordinarily adept" at getting round the West's export controls via third parties, groups offshore or shell companies, which can be hard to track because they often change their names. Photo: Reuters.

 

The British government on Wednesday ordered Chinese-owned technology company Nexperia to sell at least 86% of Britain’s biggest microchip factory, Newport Wafer Fab.

The move, which is not unexpected, following a national security assessment.

The review of Nexperia’s 2021 purchase of Newport Wafer Fab, now known as Nexperia Newport Ltd, was announced earlier this year after legislation came into force in January allowing the government to scrutinise and potentially block acquisitions and investments in sensitive sectors.

It can be applied retrospectively to deals completed since November 2020.

“We welcome foreign trade and investment that supports growth and jobs. But where we identify a risk to national security we will act decisively,” Business Minister Grant Shapps said on Twitter.

The government said there was a national security risk related to the technology and know-how which could result from compound semiconductor activities at the site, and the potential for those activities to undermine British capabilities.

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Nexperia Says ‘Decision is Wrong’

The location of the site could also facilitate access to technological expertise in the South Wales area and prevent that area being engaged in future projects relevant to national security, the order said.

Nexperia, which is headquartered in the Netherlands, said it did not accept the national security concerns raised and that two previous security reviews had found no national security concerns that would give reason to block the acquisition.

“We are genuinely shocked. The decision is wrong, and we will appeal to overturn this divestment order,” Nexperia’s UK country manager, Toni Versluijs, said in a statement.

The government said Nexperia took its shareholding in Newport Wafer fab to 100% in July 2021 when it gained an additional 86% of the company’s share capital.

“The Secretary of State considers that the final order is necessary and proportionate to mitigate the risk to national security,” the order said.

 

  • Reuters with additional editing by Jim Pollard

 

ALSO SEE:

New US Export Rules Seek to Contain China’s Chip Sector

 

China’s Chip Industry Faces Deep Pain From US Curbs – FT

 

US Orders Nvidia to Stop Sale of Advanced Chips to China

 

 

Jim Pollard

Jim Pollard is an Australian journalist based in Thailand since 1999. He worked for News Ltd papers in Sydney, Perth, London and Melbourne before travelling through SE Asia in the late 90s. He was a senior editor at The Nation for 17+ years.

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