Japan moves to block MBK's Makino machine tool takeover on security grounds

Recommendation marks first use of stricter foreign investment rules

Asia-based private equity firm MBK Partners had planned to acquire machine tool maker Makino. (Source photos by Nikkei)

TOKYO -- Japan's government has called on Asian private equity firm MBK Partners to drop its planned takeover of Japanese machine tool maker Makino Milling Machine, citing national security concerns, Nikkei has learned.