China moves to curb overseas acquisitions as firms' debt levels rise

Beijing imposes restrictions to try to stem global buying spree that has included entertainment firms and football clubs

The Chinese government has served notice on the country's foreign investment spree in football clubs, skyscrapers and Hollywood as it moves to curb rising levels of debt among domestic companies.

The announcement of restrictions in a range of sectors follows a buying spree around the globe during which Chinese firms and business tycoons have taken control of assets including Legendary Entertainment, the US film producer behind Jurassic World and Warcraft, buildings such as the Cheesegrater in London, and English football clubs including Southampton and Aston Villa.

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