Chinese Manufacturer Challenges Swiss Tech Conglomerate in Cross-Border Corporate Governance Dispute

A high-stakes legal dispute is emerging between Guangdong Beautiful Health Co., Ltd and OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, centering on corporate governance and contractual obligations following a subsidiary's judicial liquidation. The case, scheduled for a March 3, 2025 conciliation hearing in Switzerland, challenges the extent of parent company liability in international business transactions.

The dispute originated from a €20 million transaction between Guangdong Beautiful Health and Teknoweb Materials SRL, an Oerlikon subsidiary, in October 2020. After Teknoweb's judicial liquidation in February 2024, Guangdong Beautiful Health contends that Oerlikon's operational involvement may implicate the parent company in legal proceedings.

Dominique Calcò Labbruzzo, founder of the representing Holistic Law Firm, emphasized the case's focus on corporate accountability and efficient dispute resolution. The legal teams from Studio Legale Albanese and Dominique Calcò Holistic Law Firm are examining the intricate relationship between corporate governance, subsidiary operations, and potential parent company responsibilities.

The case potentially establishes a precedent for how multinational corporations might be held accountable for their subsidiaries' contractual obligations, particularly in cross-border business environments. The outcome could significantly impact international corporate governance practices and risk management strategies for global enterprises.