The number of sharemarket trades hit a record high in December capping off the best year for the New Zealand stock market since 2004.

Sale to Haier compares well to takeovers of other firms, including BNZ 20 years ago.

There are no guarantees, but if Haier can return Fisher & Paykel to its former glory, the company and the country will be better off.

Full control of Fisher & Paykel Appliances is set to pass to Haier after the Chinese company reached the threshold necessary to trigger compulsory acquisition.

Control of F & P Appliances is now likely to pass to China's Haier after it increased its takeover offer to $1.28 a share.

Fisher & Paykel Appliances shares have been halted pending an announcement, prompting speculation about an offer from Chinese company Haier.

Chinese whiteware giant's takeover bid stalls as shareholders opt to 'wait and see'

The battle for control of F & P Appliances took a new turn today when Haier said a share price range put forward by corporate advisers was 'overly optimistic'.

Fisher and Paykel Appliance's independent directors have advised shareholders to reject Haier's takeover offer.

Now a Chinese company is bidding to take over F&P Appliances, the company's 'iconic' status in this country is more fully appreciated.

Retail shareholders have the power to block China's Haier from pulling off its full takeover bid for Fisher & Paykel Appliances - which would allow it to remain listed on the NZX.