gerecht opent onderzoek naar nexperia en vastzetting chinese ceo

2026-02-13 economie

Amsterdam, vrijdag, 13 februari 2026.
De ondernemingsrechtbank in amsterdam heeft een formeel onderzoek gelanceerd naar mogelijke wanpraktijken bij chipproducent nexperia. de rechtbank handhaafde ook de sancties tegen de chinese ceo zhang xuezheng. er zijn sterke indicaties dat strategische besluiten werden genomen zonder interne raadpleging. apparatuur zou zijn verplaatst naar china voor een ander bedrijf van zhang. dit gebeurt tijdens toenemende geopolitieke spanningen. de zaak dreigt de leveringsketen voor autochips verder te verstoren. nederland greep al eerder in vanwege veiligheidsbezwaren. wingtech, de eigenaar van nexperia, betwist de conclusies en noemt de maatregelen oneerlijk. het onderzoek kan meer dan zes maanden duren.

formal investigation launched into nexperia’s corporate conduct

The Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal has initiated a formal investigation into Nexperia’s corporate governance. This follows concerns over strategic decisions made without adequate internal consultation [2]. The court identified indications that equipment was transferred to China for Wing Systems, a company linked to CEO Zhang Xuezheng [4]. Such actions suggest a conflict of interest handled without due care [2]. The probe will assess whether these measures compromised Nexperia’s operational integrity and violated agreements with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs [3].

ceo suspension and interim management upheld

The court maintained the suspension of Zhang Xuezheng as CEO of Nexperia, a measure initially enacted in October 2025 [2]. Voting rights of parent company Wingtech have been frozen pending the outcome of the investigation [5]. Control of Nexperia has been entrusted to EU-based interim directors tasked with restoring stability [3]. Legal representatives for Nexperia stated that Wingtech’s actions risk destabilizing the company [4]. The court emphasized the need for calm to repair internal relations and secure production flows for clients worldwide [2].

wingtech contests rulings and warns of supply risks

Wingtech expressed strong dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, calling it unfair and based on incomplete information [6]. The company insists its actions were lawful and aimed at strengthening resilience amid geopolitical pressures [6]. Wingtech argues that continued interference harms a critical supplier to the automotive industry, impacting over 25,000 customers [6]. It demands immediate reinstatement of its shareholder rights, warning that prolonged disruption threatens global chip supplies essential for vehicle systems like airbags and braking [3]. A full inquiry is welcomed as proof of transparency [6].

geopolitical backdrop intensifies corporate scrutiny

This case unfolds against broader international scrutiny of technology firms with cross-border ownership [5]. In 2024, the U.S. placed Wingtech on its Entity List over national security considerations, extending restrictions to Nexperia in September 2025 [4]. The UK previously blocked Nexperia’s acquisition of Newport Wafer Fab in 2022 [3]. Chinese export curbs on Nexperia products were briefly enforced in October 2025 before easing to prevent wider market instability [7]. Analysts note such cases reflect growing friction between commercial autonomy and state-led industrial oversight in sensitive sectors [GPT].

investigation timeline and broader implications

The investigative process is expected to last approximately six months, potentially concluding around August 2026 [4]. During this period, the appointed trustees will manage daily operations and evaluate past decisions [2]. The final judgment could determine whether permanent structural changes are required at Nexperia [5]. Industry observers warn that unresolved leadership disputes may delay innovation cycles and weaken confidence among automakers reliant on standardized semiconductors [7]. The outcome may influence how European regulators handle foreign-owned strategic enterprises in the future [GPT].

Bronnen

ASML Chinese CEO