A pivotal legal showdown unfolds in the Netherlands as semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia and its Chinese parent company Wingtech contest ownership and governance control, with implications for global chip supply chains and cross-border corporate governance standards.
- Nexperia is contesting governance control by Wingtech in a Dutch court.
- Wingtech acquired Nexperia in 2021 for €4.9 billion.
- Nexperia’s 2023 net profit declined by 18%.
- €210 million was spent on R&D in 2023, with €148 million in Europe.
- Board includes four members appointed by Wingtech.
- Preliminary ruling expected by March 2026.
Nexperia, a major European semiconductor producer, has initiated proceedings in the Netherlands to challenge the governance and control rights asserted by its parent entity, Wingtech Technology Co. Ltd., a Shanghai-based electronics manufacturer. The dispute centers on the interpretation of shareholder agreements and board representation rights established during Nexperia’s 2021 acquisition by Wingtech for €4.9 billion. The Dutch court is now reviewing whether Wingtech’s influence over Nexperia’s executive decisions—particularly in strategic investments and technology transfers—complies with Dutch corporate law and the original terms of the sale. Nexperia’s legal team argues that Wingtech has unilaterally redirected research and development projects to China, potentially compromising the integrity of Nexperia’s European operations. Key figures in the dispute include Nexperia’s board of directors, which now includes four members from Wingtech, and the company’s annual R&D expenditure of €210 million, with €148 million allocated to European facilities. According to internal financial disclosures, Nexperia’s net profit declined by 18% in 2023, a drop attributed by management to strategic redirection under Wingtech’s oversight. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for foreign ownership of critical technology firms in Europe. If Nexperia prevails, it may trigger a reevaluation of similar acquisitions across the EU’s semiconductor sector. Conversely, a ruling in Wingtech’s favor could reinforce China’s growing role in shaping European tech assets. The case has drawn attention from EU regulators and industry stakeholders concerned about technology sovereignty and supply chain resilience. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with a preliminary ruling expected by March 2026. The Dutch court’s decision will impact not only Nexperia’s future operations but also the broader landscape of international corporate governance and national security considerations in strategic industries.