JD.com acquisition of Ceconomy approved by Austria with conditions

Austria has approved the acquisition of Ceconomy, the parent company of MediaMarkt, by the Chinese technology group JD.com. The Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs granted approval subject to strict conditions designed to protect data, supply chains, and security-related personnel decisions. Economic Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer emphasized the need to protect national sovereignty amid geopolitical tensions.

The deal remains subject to further scrutiny by the European Commission, which is investigating whether JD.com received preferential financing, tax measures, or grants from the Chinese state that could have facilitated the bid. China has issued an order prohibiting cooperation with the European Commission’s investigation under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), barring organizations or individuals from assisting with cross-border information demands.

The European Commission is expected to reach a decision by November 4, 2026. The case highlights legal complexities regarding the Commission’s ability to obtain evidence when third-country authorities block information requests.