Chinese e‑commerce group JD.com has submitted remedial proposals to the European Commission as part of an in‑depth investigation into its €2.5 billion offer to acquire German electronics retailer Ceconomy.
A filing with the EU regulator, referenced by Reuters, did not disclose the specific details of the remedial measures.
The European Union opened an in‑depth investigation in May 2026 under its Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which targets unfair state‑aid from foreign governments.
The initial assessment had identified possible subsidies to JD.com, such as preferential financing, tax reductions and grants, potentially sourced from entities connected to China.
Regulators suggested that these measures may have allowed JD.com to shape the terms of the takeover discussions.
Ceconomy began talks with JD.com in July 2025 regarding a potential voluntary public offer, thereby initiating the acquisition process.
Last month, a Statement of Grounds was issued, formally outlining the Commission’s concerns and advancing the in‑depth investigation.
On 19 August 2026, China’s Ministry of Justice, together with the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant bodies, issued a directive prohibiting domestic entities from participating in or supporting the EU investigation.
Beijing described the probe as an instance of “undue extraterritorial jurisdiction.”
The scrutiny of JD.com extends beyond the EU.
In June, the UK Conservative Party urged the government to review the firm, expressing concern that its expanding presence in Britain could pose unfair competitive pressure on domestic high‑street retailers.
Concurrently, JD.com has pursued further expansion across Europe while confronting this regulatory scrutiny.
In March 2026, JD.com’s Joybuy online marketplace entered the UK and five additional European markets, underscoring its international growth strategy.
The platform launched simultaneously in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
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