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JD.com wins EU approval for acquisition of Ceconomy

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The European Union's competition enforcer evaluated the multibillion-dollar purchase of German electronics retailer Ceconomy under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. Regulators specifically investigated whether JD.com leveraged grants, tax incentives, and preferential state financing to outbid competitors. The approval was ultimately granted after the buyer offered remedies to mitigate regulatory issues raised by EU officials.

Key points

  • Chinese state support, including preferential financing and tax incentives, was central t…: Chinese state support, including preferential financing and tax incentives, was central to the regulatory investigation.
  • Regulators specifically assessed whether government grants helped the buyer submit a high…: Regulators specifically assessed whether government grants helped the buyer submit a higher bid for the German retailer.
  • The buyout's final approval remains contingent upon full compliance with the agreed remed…: The buyout's final approval remains contingent upon full compliance with the agreed remedies.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

BRUSSELS, Nov 3 : The European Commission said on Tuesday it approved the $2.5 billion acquisition by Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com of German electronics retailer Ceconomy provided it complies with the remedies offered.

A person familiar with the matter had told Reuters last month the Commission, which is which is the EU competition enforcer, was set to approve the deal.

The Commission was investigating the deal under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation and was evaluating whether JD.com received preferential financing, tax incentives and grants from the Chinese government that may have helped it to offer a higher price for Ceconomy.

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