Dutch Court Upholds Suspension of Nexperia CEO, Orders Six-Month Probe

The Amsterdam appeals court has rejected Wingtech's request to lift emergency measures against Nexperia, extending a crisis that has disrupted chip supplies to Europe's automotive industry. The court confirmed the continued suspension of Chinese CEO Zhang Xuezheng while EU-based directors maintain control during a formal investigation.

Judges cited 'valid reasons to doubt the sound policy and conduct of business at Nexperia,' authorizing an external review of company operations. The Dutch government initially intervened in September, transferring Zhang's shares to a trust while preserving his economic benefits but stripping voting control.

The Enterprise Chamber identified indications of negligent conduct and potential conflicts of interest, noting unauthorized strategy changes by a director facing possible sanctions. The court found evidence of disregarded agreements with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and diminished authority of European officials.