Private equity firms eye Newport Wafer Fab as UK may block Chinese owner

Private equity firms are eyeing up Welsh computer chip maker Newport Wafer Fab amid speculation the UK will block its sale to a Chinese-controlled firm. 

London-based Palladian Investment Partners is said to be considering a swoop if Nexperia, a Dutch firm owned by Chinese group Wintech, is forced to sell Newport, after buying it last year, the Sunday Times reported. 

The Government is investigating the takeover on security grounds, with a deadline for the decision set for October 5. 

Another firm thought to be interested is Irish tech investor Atlantic Bridge.