ABSTRACT
This study examines how Sartorius, a small and medium-sized family business, established business contacts with the People's Republic of China after 1945 under the conditions of the Cold War, emphasizing on the associated challenges, opportunities, and risks. The focus is on Sartorius' initial internationalization process into China during the second phase of globalization, culminating in the formation of a joint venture in Beijing in 1995. This analysis is situated within the broader context of the company's overarching internationalization strategies. Particular attention is paid to security issues in the context of long-term corporate strategies and risks associated with market entry and know-how transfer.
