Overview

• Chinese takeovers of German companies frequently result in diminished employee participation in decision-making processes.
• The study identifies cultural barriers, restricted information access, and paternalistic management styles as key challenges under Chinese ownership.
• Since 2001, Chinese firms have acquired 294 German companies, with approximately one-third of these acquisitions ending in resale or closure.
• Chinese managers often assume direct control, with 159 companies installing Chinese executives to work alongside local leadership.
• Germany's co-determination model contrasts sharply with China's centralized corporate practices, complicating labor relations and governance.