U.S. companies purchased more Chinese businesses than any other country in a one-year period, according to data analyzed by Grant Thornton LLP.
A total of 266 international companies from 41 different countries purchased more than 250 Chinese businesses worth upwards of $14 billion in the year ending June 30, 2006, with the U.S, United Kingdom and Singapore leading the way.
U.S. companies claim a 26.1% market share of Chinese acquisitions and completed 62 deals worth a total of $5.36 billion in the period. The U.K. completed 6% of the deals worth a total of $3.46 billion and Singapore's acquisitions totaled $1.8 billion, or 11% of activity. Hong Kong was one of the most active acquirers in the period and carried out 19% in deal volume terms.
The Chinese high-technology sector made up the highest number of international acquisitions, accounting for 16% of the acquisitions. Materials, industrials, financial services and consumer staples sectors were also major acquisition targets.
In terms of the highest value deals, the financial services sector accounted for a 71% market share, worth US$10 billion.