FSR: Opening of in-depth investigation into JD.com’s proposed acquisition of CECONOMY
The Commission has preliminary concerns that JD.com may have benefited from foreign subsidies potentially granted by entities attributable to the People’s Republic of China, including preferential financing, tax incentives and grants, which could have distorted competition in the EU internal market. The transaction was notified to the Commission on 17 April 2026.
The investigation will assess whether such subsidies may have enabled JD.com to offer more favourable acquisition conditions, including a potentially higher purchase price and support for CECONOMY’s business plans through its logistics and technological capabilities, thereby influencing the transaction process. The Commission will also examine whether the merged entity could gain an unfair competitive advantage post-transaction in EU markets. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 2 October 2026, to adopt a decision.
For more information, see the Commission’s PR.