China M&A deals down 45% in first half as economic slump continues

Tighter regulations at home and abroad make acquisitions harder to complete

With China's domestic demand stagnant due to a prolonged real estate slump, foreign companies see diminished benefits to expanding into the country. © Reuters

KENSHO MOTOWAKI, Nikkei staff writer

July 30, 2024 04:33 JST

TOKYO -- Mergers and acquisitions involving Chinese companies fell 45% by value year-on-year in the first half of 2024, as the country's struggling economy and tighter espionage laws hamper cross-border deals.

The value of deals with Chinese businesses as either a buyer or seller totaled about $96 billion for the January-June period, based on announcement date. Nikkei compiled the figures using data from London Stock Exchange Group.