German Multinationals in Europe: Patterns and Perspectives

Rising levels of interdependence both economically and politically among the world’s nations have especially since World War n characterized worldwide economic developments. This continuous interdependence is reflected in the phenomenon of multinational enterprises (MNEs) which have come to be one of the most significant integrated strategies for firms to internationalize. This internationalization process has intensified in the 1970s and 1980s when Japanese firms joined the ranks of international investors.1 German firms have responded to this challenge and reinforced FDI in traditional areas of strength.2