News Brief: Hanwha Approved to Double Stake in Austal
Summary
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has approved South Korea’s Hanwha to increase its stake in shipbuilder Austal from 9.9% to 19.9%, following a lengthy national security review. The approval comes with strict conditions to address diplomatic and security concerns.
Key Points
- Approval with Conditions: Hanwha can double its stake but must remain a minority shareholder (max 19.9%). Strict limits are placed on its access to sensitive information and board influence.
- Lengthy Review: The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) spent over 10 months assessing the proposal, consulting national security agencies.
- Diplomatic Sensitivities: Japan, which partners with Austal on frigate construction, had raised concerns about protecting its technology. Australia provided reassurances on safeguards.
- Strategic Importance: Austal is a key player in national shipbuilding, involved in AUKUS and future Japanese frigate projects. The decision aims to boost local industry while protecting sovereign interests.
- Company Responses: Both Austal and Hanwha welcomed the clarity. Austal will review partnership opportunities, while Hanwha pledged full compliance with the conditions.
新闻简报：韩华获准加倍持有奥斯塔股份
文章总结
澳大利亚财长吉姆·查默斯已批准韩国韩华集团将其在造船企业奥斯塔公司的持股比例从9.9%增至19.9%，此前经过了漫长的国家安全审查。此项批准附带了严格条件，以应对外交和安全方面的关切。
关键要点
- 附条件批准：韩华可加倍持股，但必须保持少数股东地位（最高19.9%）。对其接触敏感信息和董事会影响力有严格限制。
- 漫长审查：外国投资审查委员会耗时超过10个月评估该提案，并咨询了国家安全机构。
- 外交敏感性：与奥斯塔在护卫舰项目上合作的日本曾对保护其技术表示担忧。澳大利亚已就保障措施提供了保证。
- 战略重要性：奥斯塔是国家造船业的关键参与者，涉及AUKUS和未来日本护卫舰项目。该决定旨在促进本土产业，同时保护主权利益。
- 公司回应：奥斯塔和韩华均对决定带来的明确性表示欢迎。奥斯塔将评估合作机会，韩华则承诺完全遵守相关条件。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-12/hanwha-austal-bid-approve-jim-chalmers/106134860