FDI News | June 2021

Asian companies invest in Germany

Nakashima acquires majority stake in Becker Marine Systems

Japanese propeller manufacturer Nakashima Propeller has acquired a majority stake in Hamburg-based shipbuilding supplier Becker Marine Systems. The development comes after decades of cooperation between the two companies.

Robotics market leader Yaskawa building its European headquarters in Hessen

The new headquarters will see the globally active company invest EUR 23 million in the construction project set for completion in 2022.

Singapore start-up to set up operations in Hamburg

Singapore’s TeleMedC start-up, an innovative provider of AI-based solutions for ocular diseases, is set to set up operations in Hamburg’s the-labs-space in early May as part of an R&D partnership with the Department of Opthalmology at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf. TeleMedC took part in the 2020 Scaler8 Explore programme - an eleven-week market exploration program that helps Singaporean companies launch on the German market.

Taiwans's QNAP Systems to invest in NRW

Taiwanese data storage company QNAP Systems is investing EUR 10 million in the construction of a new European headquarters in the Münchheide Technology Park in North Rhine-Westphalia. The 6,000 square meter project is set for completion in February 2022.

Highly competitive sectors continue to attract foreign investment

Doordash to enter food delivery market

US company Doordash is set to enter Germany’s competitive food delivery market according to press reports. The largest food delivery app provider in the US market, with 55 percent market share,  is also reportedly interested in entering Europe’s grocery delivery service as it expands its international activities after its successful IPO in 2020.

Estonian Bolt starts up in Germany

Estonian start-up Bolt has rolled out its e-scooter service in a number of German cities including Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich. As something of a late market entrant to the competitive market, the Estonian company is seeking to differentiate itself by charging no unlocking fee and making e-scooters available from five cents per minute.

Investments from the European Union

New Danish logistics center in Duisburg

Danish container shipping company Maersk plans to construct a 100,000 square meter logistics center in Duisburg. As well as direct connections to rail, water and road transport, the new logistics center will have its own container terminal.

Dutch recycler to build plant in Neuss

Dutch recycling company Jansen Recycling B.V. is set to build a 12,980 square meter recycling plant for the processing of construction rubble and road debris in Neuss. The company plans to invest EUR 2 million in the new site which will have a daily output of around 5,000 tons.

Austrian market research supermarket in Cologne

Austrian go2market will open its first market research supermarket in Cologne. The real test environment will help manufacturers better tailor their products to consumer target groups in real time. Cologne was chosen because of its food fairs and strong industry and commerce.

French portal for refurbished products launches

French company Back Market has launched its refurbished goods portal in Germany for the resale of used consumer electronics devices. The portal sells tested refurbished electronics goods for up to 70 percent below the new retail price.

Miro opens sites in Berlin and Munich

Online whiteboard solutions provider Miro is expanding its international presence with the opening of two German offices in Berlin and Munich. The Berlin site will serve as the company’s production development hub, with Munich doubling up as a sales location. More than 500 new jobs will be created at the two new locations over the next 24 months.

Investments from the UK

UK real estate group expands German activities

British commercial real estate group SEGRO is expanding its logistics park in the south of Krefeld. The SEGRO Logistics Park Krefeld-Süd is to grow by three units with a total of 33,000 square meters. Construction work has begun and the new site is scheduled for occupation in September, 2021.

London law firm opens fourth German office in NRW

London-based law firm Watson Farley & Williams is opening its fourth German office in Düsseldorf. The new office allows the energy industry specialists to tap into a well of clients from other sectors including the telecoms, electricity and utilities as well as banks and other financial institutions.

Blockchains, Inc. acquires eastern German start-up

Dresden-based blockchain start-up Evan has been acquired by US blockchain company Blockchains, Inc. Founded in 2018, Evan specializes in blockchain-based solutions for increased data sovereignty in the digital economy.

Attestor Capital invests in Condor

London-based asset management firm Attestor Capital is to acquire 51 percent of the shares and invest heavily in German charter airline Condor. The German charter airline was hard hit by the collapse of parent company the Thomas Cook Group in 2019, receiving a bailout from the German government to continue operations. The move will see Attestor contribute EUR 450 million in fresh equity, EUR 250 million will be invested in a new long-haul fleet.