Finance
China's Sinochem says it proposed solution to end governance spat with Pirelli
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Summary
Sinochem proposes a solution to resolve its governance dispute with Pirelli, addressing U.S. regulatory concerns and facilitating Pirelli's U.S. expansion.
Sinochem Proposes Solution to Resolve Governance Dispute with Pirelli
Governance Dispute Between Sinochem and Pirelli
ROME, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Pirelli's Chinese shareholder Sinochem said on Monday it had put forward a "structured solution" to end a governance spat with the tyremaker's Italian investor Camfin.
Details of Sinochem's Proposal
The announcement was made as the government assesses options to limit Sinochem's influence over Pirelli, or even turn it into a passive shareholder, in a bid to facilitate the tyremaker's U.S. expansion.
Camfin's Response and Alternative Proposal
Beijing-controlled Sinochem is Pirelli's largest shareholder with a 34.1% stake while Camfin, the vehicle of Italian businessman Marco Tronchetti Provera, holds a 25.3% stake, with plans to increase it to up to 29.9%.
Impact on U.S. Expansion Plans
Sinochem said in a statement on Monday it had submitted a "structured, well-founded proposal based on standard and widely used corporate tools in line with best international practice, with the objective of addressing both Pirelli's governance framework and the concerns relating to U.S. regulatory requirements if any."
Camfin and Pirelli itself complain that having a Chinese company as its main shareholder poses a hurdle to the group's U.S. expansion, as Washington tightens restrictions on Chinese technology in the automotive sector.
The Chinese investor said it hoped its proposal would be "neutrally assessed with genuine cooperative spirit by other involved parties," without providing details of its solution.
A person close to the matter said the solution entailed spinning off some Pirelli assets into a separate corporate entity to distance those activities from the company's Chinese investor.
In response to Sinochem's statement, Camfin, however, said the proposed solution would harm Pirelli's business model and technological development and still not help the company comply with U.S. regulation on connected vehicles.
Camfin said it had put forward its own proposal and remained open to discussing a solution.
Last week, Camfin said it would not renew its shareholder pact with Sinochem, paving the way for a new intervention by the Italian government on the tyremaker's governance through "golden power" legislation aimed at preserving the national interest in business matters.
(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte in Rome and Valentina Za in Milan; editing by Gavin Jones and Paul Simao)
Key Takeaways
- •Sinochem proposes a solution to end its governance dispute with Pirelli.
- •The proposal aims to address U.S. regulatory concerns.
- •Camfin plans to increase its stake in Pirelli.
- •Italian government may intervene using golden power legislation.
- •Pirelli's U.S. expansion is a key concern.
Frequently Asked Questions about China's Sinochem says it proposed solution to end governance spat with Pirelli
1What is corporate governance?
Corporate governance refers to the systems and processes that direct and control a company. It involves balancing the interests of stakeholders, including shareholders, management, customers, suppliers, and the community.
2What is foreign investment?
Foreign investment is the investment made by an individual or institution in assets or businesses located in another country. It can take the form of direct investment or portfolio investment.
3What is financial management?
Financial management involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the financial activities of an organization. It includes managing the firm's finances, investments, and capital structure.
4What is an investment proposal?
An investment proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed investment opportunity, including the expected returns, risks, and benefits associated with the investment.
5What are implications for U.S. expansion?
Implications for U.S. expansion refer to the potential effects that foreign investments, particularly from companies like Sinochem, may have on a company's ability to grow and operate in the U.S. market.
