Overview
- The Bundeskartellamt approved the plan because JD.com has only a minimal footprint in Germany and Europe, leaving few competitive overlaps.
- JD.com seeks a majority stake in Ceconomy, which operates MediaMarkt and Saturn with over 1,000 stores across Europe, roughly 400 of them in Germany.
- Multiple outlets report the offer values Ceconomy at about €4 billion, with the formal investment agreement announced in late July.
- The economics ministry retains authority to assess security-related risks and could still block the deal, even after competition clearance.
- Ceconomy has recommended accepting the offer, and reports cite assurances that the MediaMarkt and Saturn brands will remain and that job cuts are excluded for three years.