Germany wants better tools to stop takeovers of firms by non-EU countries

Germany wants better tools for hindering takeovers of German companies by investors beyond the European Union that do not conform with market regulations, a spokeswoman for the Economy Ministry said.

The German government tightened controls on foreign investments last year after a series of high-profile takeovers by Chinese firms, making it possible for Berlin to intervene if a buyer amasssed a shareholding of 25 percent.