China Daily Quotes Gregory Puff on PRC Antitrust Probes
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Akin Gump Asia practice head Gregory Puff was quoted by China Daily for its article “Antitrust probes ‘don’t just target’ foreign companies” on the PRC’s enhanced enforcement of its anti-monopoly law.
Regarding the possibility that the Chinese government may focus on energy or banking in its investigations, Puff noted that these industries have seen numerous transactions in recent years, some of which have involved foreign investors. He added, “Further regulatory oversight in these large industries in the antitrust area would not be surprising. Meanwhile, in many countries, these industries are geopolitically sensitive, so regulation should be expected to be careful and thorough."
Discussing the National Development and Reform Commission’s (NDRC) completion of a number of investigations, including probes of the LCD panel and infant formula industries, which involved foreign companies, Puff said, “Foreign companies investing in China often are making high-profile investments, and frequently large investments. Naturally those type of transactions might attract regulatory scrutiny.”