Rising protectionism could kill off some multi-billion-dollar international takeovers this year, bankers say, noting that governments are increasingly keen to protect their national icons. Industries that are seen more prone to protectionism include, natural resources, agricultural commodity-related sectors, and defence-related companies. In some parts of Asia, banks and stock exchanges are also seen as vulnerable to protectionism. Ideally in a free market economy, governments rarely stand in the way of foreign acquirers. But, protectionism is rearing its head, particularly as takeovers get larger and attract greater public and political scrutiny.
Source
