Chinese buying no concern

A poster that reads "Creating London's next financial district and Asian Business Port" on derelict land at the Royal Albert Dock in east London. In recent years, European property has been a hot area for Chinese companies. [Photo/Agencies]

According to data from French media and Thomson Reuters, Chinese companies spent $27.7 billion on the acquisition of European enterprises, brands or shares in 2015, and such kind of spending soared to $62.4 billion in the first half of this year.

Of Chinese investment overseas, 60 percent is now in Europe, compared with 25 percent in North America and less than 15 percent in the rest of the world. Europeans previously held a welcoming attitude toward Chinese investors, believing capital from China can help them overcome their difficulties.

However, drastically increased Chinese acquisitions in Europe have caused European concerns that "Chinese will not only buy out all the goods in duty-free airport shops, but will also buy the entire airport and shops". Especially after Chinese electronics retailer Suning Commerce Group recently acquired a majority stake in the Italian soccer club Inter Milan, some in Europe have expressed concerns that "China's purchasing power is conquering Europe".

Some Europeans have attributed Chinese enterprises' buying spree in Europe to the Chinese government. However, the latest round of acquisitions is dominated by private Chinese enterprises. Since the Chinese economy has slowed, many Chinese enterprises have begun shifting their focus overseas for new investment opportunities. For them, high-grade company assets in Europe offer such an opportunity.

Compared with the United States, protectionism and political factors have not been so prominent in Europe, which makes acquisitions in European countries more attractive to Chinese investors.

But Chinese investors should realize that some industries, such as hospitality and tourism, are unlikely to bring in considerable profits in the near future. For European partners, they also should not expect the introduction of Chinese investors to mean an endless flow of Chinese visitors and commercial opportunities.