Inverse trend in Europe and China. - According to a study by the consultants PwC, Chinese investment in Europe overtook European investment in China for the first time in the first quarter of 2012. Chinese investors made 32 investments in Europe as opposed to 26 transactions in China by European businesses. In terms of value, this trend inversion took place even earlier - in 2011 - as the amounts invested in Europe by Chinese businesses rose to €11 billion as opposed to only €7 billion for European businesses in China. In PwC's view, the continuing uncertainty in the eurozone is clinching the business for the Chinese entrepreneurs, who are taking advantage of European companies' debt - companies that would otherwise be inaccessible. As far as the target countries are concerned, the United Kingdom is losing its attractiveness - with a share that has been decreasing steadily for the last 15 month - to the advantage of Germany which has become the destination of choice for Chinese business people. France is placed in third position. In the opinion of Hélène Rives at PwC, the volume and value of Chinese acquisitions in Europe will progress over the longer term. The favoured sectors remain - in volume of transactions - industrial services and telecoms. In value, energy and public services dominate, followed by mining. (IL/transl.fl)