Germany intends to block sale of logistics firm Zippel to China's Cosco
The German government intends to block the sale of logistics firm Zippel to Chinese state-owned group Cosco over security risks, Handelsblatt reports, citing a confidential government memo. A final decision has not yet been made.
The German government intends to block the sale of logistics firm Zippel to Chinese state-owned group Cosco over security risks, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing a restricted government memo it had obtained.
According to the report, the internal memo is classified as “confidential – for official use only” and cites “significant security concerns”, warning of strategic dependencies that “could be used as leverage in the event of political instability”.
A final decision on the prohibition has not yet been made, but insiders suggest Cosco will ultimately not take over Zippel. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs declined to comment, and Zippel did not respond to inquiries.
The case underscores mounting concern in Berlin and Brussels over Chinese state-owned enterprises acquiring strategic companies across Europe, with transport operations viewed as particularly sensitive. The case is regarded as particularly significant because it involves Germany’s domestic logistics sector and the country’s defence capabilities. Several Chinese investments have already been halted in recent years.
Sources
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