EU regulators to issue formal warning to JD.com over Ceconomy deal, sources say
Complete. Here is the key summaryEU regulators are issuing a formal warning to JD.com regarding its $2.5 billion acquisition of German retailer Ceconomy, citing concerns over unfair subsidies under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. This statement of grounds outlines specific issues that must be addressed to avoid a veto. JD.com describes this as a standard procedural step and anticipates a positive outcome by late 2026.
BRUSSELS, July 22 : EU regulators will issue formal charges against Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com over its $2.5 billion bid for German electronics retailer Ceconomy, underlining their concerns of unfair subsidies, people familiar with the matter said. The charges, known as a statement of grounds under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, are similar to a statement of objections or charge sheet under EU merger rules where regulators outline specific concerns, which must be addressed by companies or risk a veto on the deal. JD.com said the statement of grounds is a normal procedural step and that it continues to expect a positive conclusion of the process in the second half of 2026.