The four rapid successive amendments to the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance between 2020 and 2021 have greatly expanded government investment auditing in the Federal Republic of Germany. The examination of the acquisition of domestic companies by foreign buyers by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) is intended to prevent security threats. These reforms are related not least to the increase in Chinese investment in German firms, which is perceived as a threat. The economic impact of investment audits on company mergers and acquisitions has not yet been studied, but should not be underestimated. In addition, there is a risk of investment obstacles for German companies abroad.