SynopsisThe ⁠European ⁠Commission opened a full-scale investigation into the deal ​in May under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation that targets unfair ​foreign state aid.Chinese ecommerce giant JD.com was hit with formal notice of regulatory concerns over its $2.5 billion bid for German electronics retailer Ceconomy on Wednesday in a move that could require ‌hefty concessions.The ⁠European ⁠Commission opened a full-scale investigation into the deal in May under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation that targets unfair foreign state aid.The Commission was investigating whether JD.com received preferential financing, tax incentives and grants ​from the Chinese government ⁠that may ‌have helped it to offer a ​higher ​price for Ceconomy.JD.com, which can now ⁠offer remedies to address the EU concerns, ​said that the Commission's statement of ​grounds is a normal procedural step."We remain confident the transaction supports Europe's broader objectives around innovation and competitiveness. We continue to expect a positive conclusion of the process ‌in the second half of 2026," the company said ahead of the ​Commission's announcement.The ​Commission set ⁠an October 2 deadline for its decision on whether to clear the deal.The acquisition would allow one ​of China's largest retailers to expand outside its home market via Ceconomy-owned electronic products retailers MediaMarkt and Saturn.(Reporting by Foo Yun CheeAdditional reporting by Philip BlenkinsopEditing by Joe Bavier, Louise Heavens and David Goodman) ...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now