JD Group

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs has cleared the takeover of MediaMarktSaturn by Chinese group JD.com but imposed conditions to protect customers' personal data and reserved broad monitoring powers. The approval can be revoked in case of breaches. The European Commission is simultaneously examining potential distortions from Chinese subsidies and has until 2 October to decide. France, Italy and Germany have already agreed; reviews are still ongoing in Spain and Austria. » More on heise.de

The European Commission is examining whether JD.com received unlawful state subsidies from China in its announced acquisition of the Ceconomy group (Mediamarkt-Saturn) that could have influenced the purchase price and competitive position. JD.com intends to buy Ceconomy for €2.2 billion; the German Bundeskartellamt had raised no concerns. The Commission is also investigating whether the merged company would create competitive disadvantages for rivals in the single market. The review is open-ended; a decision must be reached within 90 working days after notification, by no later than 2 October 2026. » More on golem.de

The European Commission is investigating whether JD.com received foreign subsidies in its takeover of MediaMarktSaturn that could distort the EU single market. Preliminary concerns relate to preferential financing, tax incentives and grants, and possible effects on the merged company’s competition and investment strategies. The Commission has until 2 October to make a final decision; national reviews are also underway in Germany, Spain and Austria. » More on n-tv.de