China Inc by BBW

A Biotech Buyout, and an Influencer Uprising

AstraZeneca has offered to buy money-losing Gracell Biotech for up to $1.2 billion, in a first-of-its kind M&A for a Chinese drug startup. Will China approve the deal? And e-commerce company East Buy's CEO gets sacked under pressure from its top online salesman. How much power do such influencers wield at Chinese internet companies?

Shaky Regional Banks, and Bubble Tea IPOs

China's big national banks are growing wary of their smaller regional counterparts. Will this put further pressure on the smaller lenders, many of which are already struggling? And two leading bubble tea makers file for Hong Kong IPOs. Will investors scoop up their shares, or shun them over concerns about China's slowing economy?

China’s Private Equity Clampdown, and a Tech Hotshot Drives Out of America

China is raising the bar for its vast field of venture capital and private equity companies, a move that looks aimed at avoiding a repeat of the P2P crisis a few years back. What's the implication for Chinese startups? And former autonomous trucking highflier TuSimple is retreating from the U.S. to focus on its China business. What's driving this abrupt turnaround for a company that was once so promising?

China Sets Goals for 2024, and a French Snub for Chinese EVs

Chinese leaders said they'll prioritize progress and stability in 2024 at their annual Central Economic Work Conference. Does that mean they'll put greater emphasis on the economy? And France and Turkey take new steps that could limit Chinese EV imports. What's behind this growing bias against Chinese electric cars that are flooding the global market?

An EV Newbie Goes to Wall Street, and a Bubble Tea Giant to Hong Kong

EV maker Zeekr, owned by car giant Geely, has filed for a New York IPO to raise as much as $1 billion. But with only two years of history, will investors embrace the company? And  bubble tea giant Mixue Bingcheng eyes its own listing in Hong Kong. But will investors worry that China's premium tea market is overheated and about to burst?

The rebounding yuan, and China approves a chip mega-merger

After falling to multiyear lows, China's yuan has come roaring back in recent weeks. But what has changed, and are the gains for real? And China approves the $69 billion merger of VMWare with global chip giant Broadcom after more than a year. Does this signal a friendlier new approach by China to global chip M&A?

Plunging Healthcare Investments and WH Group Eyes Smithfield IPO

After several years of unbridled enthusiasm, investors have sharply pulled back their support for Chinese healthcare startups. Why the sudden cold feet toward this group? And a decade after acquiring U.S. pork giant Smithfield, China's WH Group is eyeing a New York listing for the company. Could this be prelude to a sale of this pork barrel investment?

A Xi-Biden Summit Takes Shape, and Stellantis Rescues an EV Startup

A summit between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden is looking increasingly likely after China’s foreign minister traveled to Washington last week. But will such a meeting accomplish anything? And Stellantis, owner of the Chrysler and Peugeot brands, will pay $1 billion for 20% of Chinese EV maker Leapmotor. What’s driving this odd partnership between a global giant and a struggling startup?

China-built Battery Plant Hits the Skids in U.S., and Pet Site Boqii Bows from NYSE

Ford has put the brakes on a battery plant being built for it in the U.S. by China’s CATL. Is this the end of the road for Chinese EV investments in the U.S.? And pet community operator Boqii is leaving the NYSE after a “ruff” three years. Are more Chinese companies likely to follow Boqii’s lead?

Another foreign worker barred from leaving China, and a data security reversal

China has barred a top executive from U.S. risk control firm Kroll from leaving the country. Will this send more chills through foreign companies in China? And after implementing a strict new law on cross-border data transfers, China rolls out a new draft rule rolling back some of the toughest requirements. Will that be enough to ease concerns of jittery foreign companies?