China orders Meta to unwind $2.5 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus

29 articles · Updated · Barron's · Apr 27

China’s National Development and Reform Commission cited national security concerns in blocking Meta’s $2.5 billion deal for Manus, which originally operated as Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology.
Manus, now headquartered in Singapore, had raised $75 million and gained attention for its advanced AI agent. Meta maintains the transaction complied with applicable law and seeks an appropriate resolution.
Chinese regulators aim to prevent the loss of domestic AI talent and discourage 'China-shedding' by startups relocating abroad, though enforcement of the unwinding order remains uncertain.

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