JD.com offers concessions to EU in Ceconomy takeover probe

Published Aug 21, 02:30 PM UTC

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has proposed remedies to the European Commission as part of an in-depth investigation into its $2.5 billion bid for German electronics retailer Ceconomy. The EU launched the probe in May 2026 under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, citing potential subsidies from China-linked bodies including preferential financing, tax breaks, and grants. Ceconomy entered discussions with JD.com in July 2025, and the EU issued a formal Statement of Grounds last month. Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Justice and other authorities issued a directive on August 19, 2026, instructing domestic entities not to cooperate with the EU investigation, calling it 'undue extraterritorial jurisdiction'. JD.com also faces scrutiny in the UK, where the Conservative Party raised concerns about unfair competition. Despite regulatory pressure, JD.com launched its Joybuy marketplace in the UK and five other European markets in March 2026.