Politics is the one path that can lead a company most reliably through a regulatory nightmare
The global economy offers a world of opportunities for growth. However, time and again, businesses face obstacles that they cannot surmount by technical, legal or investive means. Typically, these come down to challenges of public policy – a set of rules, conventions and idioms unique to each country. Summed up in one word, regulation, these challenges can hang over business deals like the Sword of Damocles. Behind those challenges are policymakers – politicians sensitive to a whole host of concerns far beyond the deal itself.
A case in point: Midea, a Chinese electrical appliance maker, raised the German government’s hackles with plans to buy a stake in the German robot maker Kuka a few months ago. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel launched an inquiry to determine if this deal would endanger the nation’s “public order or security,” throwing the acquisition into serious jeopardy.
With Brunswick’s help, a dialogue was opened with policymakers that provided some touchy moments but eventually led to a green light. Today, the Chinese firm holds around 95 percent of Kuka’s shares. Midea and Kuka have since been striving to drive the company’s growth. “We want to become No. 1 in the Chinese robotics market,” said Kuka CEO Till Reuter a few months ago.
Recently, a CEO admitted to me, “I don’t know anything about politics! You’re going to have to explain this to me.” That’s hardly uncommon. But companies that ignore the political element do so at their own peril. Beyond the threat of one regulation, businesses become vulnerable when politicians who write those regulations and approvals feel pressure.
Business leaders do have the advantage of being able to react quickly, a privilege that public policymakers do not have. Discussions with politicians are a protracted process, subject to many variables. Each proposal is preceded by talks and more talks with stakeholders. This is how public policy is shaped in a democracy. The balance of power and public sentiment can tip decisions one way or another – often with a drama out of proportion with the actual evidence. We may lament such imperfection, but live with it we must.
The most prudent thing business leaders can do is to apprise policymakers early of a potential deal, especially if it carries social implications, such as employment, environment, transportation, infrastructure and consumer protection.