E-commerce giant JD.com initiates €2.2 billion takeover of Media Saturn, with the acquisition set to commence in September.
JD.com Expands Retail Presence with €2.2 Billion Acquisition of CECONOMY
In a significant move, JD.com, the Chinese e-commerce giant, has announced its acquisition of CECONOMY, the parent company of European retail giants MediaMarkt and Saturn, for €2.2 billion. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is set to position JD.com as a formidable competitor in the European retail market.
The acquisition involves the purchase of CECONOMY's operations across 11 European countries, with more than 1,000 retail stores under MediaMarkt, MediaWorld, and Saturn brands. These operations generated €22.4 billion in total sales and €305 million in adjusted EBIT during the fiscal year 2023/24.
JD.com's entry into the MediaMarktSaturn parent company around 2025 was preceded by a public takeover offer launched on September 1, 2025, valuing CECONOMY at €4.60 per share in cash. The offer represents a 42.6% premium to the three-month volume weighted average share price as of July 23, 2025.
The deal comes as part of JD.com's strategy to expand its retail media presence and consolidate its position in the retail technology sectors. The acquisition of Kamino Retail and the purchase of LiveIntent for $250 million are evidence of this strategy.
The transaction targets CECONOMY's operations in Europe, and JD.com secured irrevocable undertakings from shareholders representing 31.7% of CECONOMY's total share capital before launching the offer. Key shareholders such as Haniel, Beisheim, Freenet, and Convergenta have committed to supporting the transaction.
The combined entity's data assets and customer insights create competitive advantages in merchandising, pricing, and customer acquisition strategies, particularly in advertising technology and retail media applications. JD.com's mobile commerce expertise complements CECONOMY's physical retail footprint, addressing consumer preferences for seamless shopping experiences across multiple channels.
Cross-border supply chain optimization becomes possible through JD.com's established Asian manufacturing relationships and logistics expertise. This will intensify competition with other major electronics retailers in Europe as JD.com applies its pricing optimization and supply chain efficiencies to European operations.
The deal also positions JD.com to compete more effectively with Amazon's European retail expansion while leveraging established local market knowledge and customer relationships. With this acquisition, JD.com is poised to make a significant impact on the European retail landscape.
However, the deal remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including merger control, foreign direct investment, and EU foreign subsidies clearances. Once completed, the delisting of CECONOMY shares is expected to follow.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
- Abdominal Fat Accumulation: Causes and Strategies for Reduction
