Amsterdam | Jan 14, 2026 — GeokHub A legal battle over control of Dutch chipmaker Nexperia played out in an Amsterdam court on Wednesday, as lawyers for the company and its Chinese owner Wingtech clashed over governance and allegations of mismanagement—disruptions that have already contributed to shortages of chips used by global carmakers.
At the center of the case is whether the court should order a full investigation into Nexperia’s management under its former chief executive, Zhang Xuezheng, who also founded Wingtech, and whether Wingtech’s control over the company should be restored.
The dispute has significantly hampered Nexperia’s operations, with its European manufacturing arm unable to fully coordinate with its China-based packaging and distribution unit, complicating supply chains for customers in the automotive sector.
Lawyers representing Nexperia accused Wingtech of attempting to destabilize the company at a time of already heightened geopolitical pressure on the semiconductor industry. Nexperia’s legal team told the court that Wingtech had previously invited Chinese authorities to consider export restrictions, a move they said harmed both the company and its customers.
Wingtech’s legal representatives rejected those claims, arguing that Zhang had explored governance changes in an effort to protect Nexperia from potential U.S. sanctions and that no evidence had been presented to show misuse or transfer of intellectual property.
The conflict dates back to late September, when the Dutch government temporarily seized control of Nexperia, citing concerns that operations and sensitive technology could be shifted to China. That intervention was later reversed, but on October 7, the court issued a preliminary ruling stating there were “well-founded reasons” to question Nexperia’s management. Zhang was suspended as CEO, and control of Wingtech’s shares was transferred to a court-appointed Dutch administrator.
Wingtech’s lawyers argued that Nexperia cannot function without its international parent and subsidiaries, stressing that the company relies heavily on non-Dutch operations. They also denied allegations that Zhang had conflicts of interest linked to a Shanghai-based factory supplying wafers to Nexperia.
Representatives of the Dutch state told the court they support Nexperia’s current management structure.
The dispute has unfolded against a backdrop of shifting measures imposed—and later withdrawn—by U.S., Dutch, and Chinese authorities throughout 2025, each citing strategic concerns. These actions have strained supply chains and pushed automakers to seek alternative chip suppliers.
Nexperia reported $331 million in profit on $2.06 billion in revenue in 2024, but the company now faces the possibility of being split into separate entities. It halted wafer shipments to China in October over payment issues and plans to invest $260 million to expand packaging capacity in Malaysia to serve non-Chinese customers.
Meanwhile, Nexperia’s former packaging unit in Dongguan has rebranded as “Nexperia China” and is pursuing plans to replace European output with domestic alternatives.
The court-appointed administrator urged a swift ruling, warning that prolonged uncertainty could deepen operational damage as both sides appear to be waiting for clearer legal footing before negotiating a settlement.
