Meta NASDAQ:META is reportedly being required to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus after intervention from Chinese authorities, opening the door for Tencent Holdings (TCEHY) to pursue a controlling stake.
Tencent is in discussions with Manus and several of the startup's existing investors, including ZhenFund and HSG, to acquire the company after Beijing directed Meta to reverse the transaction, according to a Thursday media report.
The proposed consortium is considering a deal valued at no less than $2 billion, which would make Tencent the startup's largest shareholder if completed. The report said the group aims to repurchase Manus from Meta following the regulatory order.
The reported move comes as competition for artificial intelligence assets continues to intensify among major technology companies, particularly in China, where regulatory scrutiny remains a key factor in cross-border transactions.