International indirect investment
International indirect investment is a type of foreign direct investment (FDI) in which multinational companies invest in foreign companies by providing capital, technology, and management expertise. Multinational companies that invest through foreign subsidiaries often do so to reduce their risk exposure, increase market access, or gain access to some of the resources or competitive advantages of the foreign country.
The main types of international indirect investment include: joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and strategic alliances. A joint venture (JV) is an arrangement between two or more partners in which each partner contributes resources and shares in the profits and losses of a business venture. M&A refers to the consolidation of two or more firms, either through a merger or acquisition. Strategic alliances often involve knowledge-sharing and the exchange of key personnel.
International indirect investment brings several potential benefits. By investing in a foreign company, a multinational can gain access to local markets, develop relationships with industry contacts, and obtain local knowledge. Through mergers and acquisitions, companies can gain technology, customer base, and brands to build market share. Strategic alliances can also provide access to resources and enable companies to reduce operational costs and gain a competitive advantage.
International indirect investment also has its drawbacks. Multinationals may struggle to ensure their investments are managed properly, which can be difficult when investing in a foreign country. Additionally, multinationals may struggle to control their foreign subsidiaries and ensure they are following established policies. Finally, there is the risk that their foreign investments may not produce returns as expected, leading to financial losses.
Despite the potential risks associated with international indirect investment, there has been a steady increase in recent decades. Companies are now able to more easily identify potential areas for investment, and have access to more information about potential investments than ever before. Globalization has also opened up new opportunities for companies to diversify their portfolios. As more companies explore international indirect investment as an option, it will be interesting to see how this trend continues in the future.