Japan asks Asian fund to halt machine maker buyout over security concerns

The Japanese government said Thursday it has called on the Asia-based private equity firm MBK Partners to shelve its planned acquisition of Makino Milling Machine Co., a major machine tools maker, as the move poses national security concerns.Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko Group, the Japanese private equity firm known simply as NSSK, has instead emerged as a potential buyer, a source familiar with the matter said later Thursday.The government's recommendation to MBK Partners, dated Wednesday, was issued in line with the foreign exchange and trade control law over concern that the proposed takeov…READ FULL ARTICLE