Two of China’s larger tech and media names are in the headlines today for new US investments, highlighting a recent trend that is seeing Chinese firms step up such investing as they search for western expertise and technology. The larger of the deals will see Huayi Bros (Shenzhen: 300027), one of China’s most successful independent film producers, invest $130 million in a US-based subsidiary as part of its international expansion. The other will see LCD maker BOE Technology (Shenzhen: 000725) invest a more modest $5 million in a US start-up that develops technology for wearable products. Read Full Post…
A day after I wrote about a conflict that threatened to delay the premier of the new “Transformers” movie in China, media are reporting the commercial dispute in the matter has been resolved. Meantime, leading Chinese private equity investor Fosun International (HKEx: 656) is also catching the Hollywood fever that has been infecting Chinese media companies lately, announcing a major new investment in a start-up production house led by a former Warner Bros (NYSE: TWX) chief. Both of these stories show that the through train connecting China and Hollywood continues to gain momentum, and even Beijing is getting on board to help solve business disputes that could otherwise cost millions of dollars in lost sales. Read Full Post…
The list of major Chinese entertainment firms jumping on the Hollywood bandwagon has just gained an important new member with word that Huayi Bros (Shenzhen: 300027) is on the cusp of investing in a major new production house. I’ve been following the China media scene for more than a decade now, and can say that Huayi was one of the nation’s earliest major players to emerge in a space that was extremely difficult for years due to tough restrictions and extreme fragmentation. But Huayi has shown not only an ability to survive, but also to thrive in a market where the movie theater business is suddenly booming and online video has quickly become an important new revenue source. Read Full Post…
