US EditionChina reviews Meta’s purchase of AI startup Manus, FT reports
Chinese authorities are reviewing Meta’s $2 billion acquisition of Singapore-based AI startup Manus for possible export control violations amid concerns over technology relocation.
- On Jan 6, Financial Times reported Chinese commerce ministry officials are reviewing Meta's $2 billion acquisition of Manus for possible technology export violations; Reuters could not verify, and Meta and Manus did not respond.
- Manus relocated its core team to Singapore by mid‑June 2025, a move described as part of a gradual disentanglement from China and linked to the trend called `Singapore washing`.
- Last month Meta agreed to buy Manus for between US$2 billion and US$3 billion after Benchmark led April financing valuing the start-up at $500 million.
- If regulators deem an export licence was required, Chinese authorities could use this to influence or halt the deal, FT sources say the chances of intervention are high since the deal is not yet closed.
- Observers compared Beijing's options to past TikTok resistance, with U.S. analysts calling the deal a win for Washington's investment restrictions as Chinese entrepreneurs shift abroad.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Associated Press News
China to probe Meta's acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus
China's commerce ministry says it plans to investigate Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus. Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, announced last week that it was buying Manus, a Singapore-based company with Chinese roots, to boost AI offerings across its platforms.
China Reviews Meta’s $2 Billion acquisition of Manus
The Chinese government is reviewing Meta Platforms’ $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus for potential violations of technology export control, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. China’s Ministry of Commerce has begun assessing whether the relocation of Manus’s staff and technology to Singapore from China, and the subsequent sale to
China Reviews Meta’s $2 Billion Deal to Buy AI Startup Manus
Chinese officials are looking into whether Meta Platforms Inc.’s acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus violated national security or technology export regulations, an initial review that could hinder the deal down the road if officials determine wrongdoing.
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