The economy ministry said the cabinet decided “to not authorise direct foreign investment” in Talgo by Hungary’s Ganz Mavag Europe “for reasons linked to protecting the strategic interests and national security of Spain”.
“Talgo is a strategic enterprise in a sector key to Spain’s economic security, territorial cohesion and industrial development,” the statement said.
The government did not say so specifically in its statement, but it has made clear it is concerned about close links between the Hungarian companies and the country’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is considered an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Talgo announced in March that it had received a takeover offer from Ganz Mavag Europe, which groups Magyar Vagon and Hungarian state investment fund Corvinus Zrt.
While Talgo’s management welcomed the offer, which valued it at 619 million euros ($690 million), the Spanish government said it would be “vigilant” about defending the country’s interests.
The Spanish government in 2020 strengthened its powers to block foreign acquisitions in what are considered strategic sectors, such as infrastructure, health and security.
Member comments