This month, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs intervened in Nexperia, a company that originated from Philips. The intervention was based on an old law that allows for actions to be taken at a company to ensure the availability of crucial products.
According to the Netherlands, the availability of chips in this case is at risk due to “serious administrative shortcomings and actions,” although these were not explicitly detailed.
In a statement, Wingtech described the situation as “unprecedented interference in legal proceedings, erratic policy, and false accusations” by the Dutch government.
The Chinese owner further asserts that the Netherlands can only restore the created chaos and reputational damage by returning “full control and ownership rights to the rightful shareholders.”
Wingtech also indicated that it would become significantly more challenging to produce a complete end product if the Netherlands enforces a full takeover of Nexperia or separates the operations in Nijmegen from those in China. “A loss that Europe cannot compensate for in the short term.”
According to Wingtech, this would not only lead to shortages in “essential sectors” but also jeopardize hundreds of jobs in “the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.” At the same time, Wingtech acknowledges that customers have been reasonably successful in seeking alternatives for their chips, which could negatively impact the long-term continuity of Nijmegen.
The Chinese company concluded its statement by asserting that it will vigorously defend its rights and will employ “all legal means” to do so.
