UK Government Intervenes in Chinese Takeover of Shell Company Over Risks to National Grid

UK Government Intervenes in Chinese Takeover of Shell Company Over Risks to National Grid
Business Secretary Grant Shapps in London on Nov. 8, 2022. Aaron Chown /PA Media
Lily Zhou
Updated:

The UK has imposed restrictions on the Chinese takeover of a shell company worth £1, saying the move mitigates national security risks.

In a notice of final order (pdf) published on Dec. 6, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said Business Secretary Grant Shapps considers the takeover of XRE Alpha Limited by China Power International Holding Limited a risk in relation to the security of an important UK electricity asset and the security of services provided to the UK National Grid.