The European Commission said JD.com has submitted concessions to address antitrust concerns over its proposed €2.2 billion acquisition of Ceconomy, the German parent of MediaMarkt and Saturn electronics chains.
The EU regulator is investigating whether JD.com received impermissible state subsidies from Chinese authorities that could distort competition in the bloc. The probe, launched in May 2026 under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation, focuses on allegations of preferential financing, tax benefits and direct grants. JD.com has until October 2 to respond, with a final decision due within the statutory timeline.
The Commission has not disclosed the nature of the remedies offered by JD.com, which aims to secure approval for the deal. A company spokesperson declined to comment on the concessions. Brussels has previously outlined its concerns in a formal complaint sent to JD.com, which the company can rebut or address through binding commitments.
Ceconomy, valued at €2.2 billion in the transaction, operates over 1,000 MediaMarkt and Saturn stores across Europe. JD.com plans to delist the German group if the takeover is approved, gaining control of its online platforms, customer data and retail infrastructure. The acquisition would mark JD.com’s expansion into Europe’s electronics retail sector.
China’s Ministry of Justice criticized the EU’s investigation as unilateral, warning of retaliatory measures if Brussels maintains its stance. The probe reflects the bloc’s broader scrutiny of foreign-backed deals under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which aims to level the playing field for EU companies facing state-supported competitors.
