China Inc by BBW

Survival and protectionism: Dingdong surrenders to Meituan as India blocks a Chinese buyout

Dingdong is abandoning its online grocery cart with a deal to sell its China business to Meituan for $717 million. What's driving its decision? And India has killed a Chinese private equity firm's plan to acquire a European laminations company with an Indian operation. Is geopolitics at play?

Alibaba bets on AI chips, as LVMH exits China duty free

Key Takeaways:
Alibaba plans to spin off its T-Head unit for a separate listing amid high market valuations for AI chip makers
LVMH is handing over its Greater China duty-free operations to a state-owned enterprise as the sector struggles with declining financials
Today we examine two major strategic shifts involving global giants navigating the complex Chinese market. On one hand, we have a push by Alibaba (BABA.US) into the overheated semiconductor sector. Will it be valued as high as China's other AI chip makers? And on the other, a strategic retreat by LVMH (MC.PA) from the Chinese retail travel space. Is this a retreat for LVMH, or is it a strategic reshuffling?

Chinese firms resume global dealmaking, as a top lender stalls

TCL is taking over Sony's home entertainment brand, while Anta has become Puma's largest shareholder. Is this the start of a new wave of Chinese acquisitions of foreign brands? And China Merchants Bank has reported near-zero profit growth for 2025. What does this leading commercial bank's lack of growth say about the Chinese economy?

Empty towers and full plates: China’s office glut and its dumpling king

China's office market is hugely overbuilt, and yet developers keep buildling. What's ahead for this market? And China's dumpling king, Yuen Kee, is gearing up to list in Hong Kong. Will investor bite, especially in the current slowing consumer market?

China prunes export incentives, as BYD takes global NEV crown

China has reduced or killed tax rebates for solar product and EV battery makers. What's driving the decision? And BYD takes the global NEV crown from Tesla. What's behind BYD's success?

China’s property debt crisis muddles on, as profits evade the pet economy

Domestic investors holding about $500 worth of Vanke bonds have agreed to extend their Dec. 28 maturity date by a month. Why are Vanke and its peers continually turning to this kind of delaying tactic rather than doing bankruptcy reorganizations? And pet hospital operator Ringpai has applied for a Hong Kong IPO, hoping to charm investors on the big growth potential of China's pet market. Why is the company still struggling to make money despite that potential? And 

Meta cuts Manus free from China, as regional lender gets premium bailout

In a landmark validation for Chinese AI, Facebook parent Meta has agreed to buy general AI agent maker Manus. But why is Meta also quite vehement about cutting all of Manus' China ties, both in terms of investors and business activity? And regional Chinese lender Weihai Bank has just received a major cash infusion from its local government in Shandong province. Is this a worrisome sign for investors?

Regulatory caution dims Hong Kong SPAC outlook, while Chinese tastes drive out foreign brands

Hong Kong has completed just its third listing using a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) since the program's launch four years ago. Why has uptake been so anemic? And Hong Kong's popular Mannings health and beauty chain is pulling out of Mainland China after more than two decades in the market. Why is it calling it quits?

Hong Kong’s IPO rally under scrutiny, as ZTE hits new U.S. headwinds

Hong Kong's stock regulator has warned IPO underwriters over the declining quality of new listing applications. Is this a red flag for the city's booming IPO market, or just the usual regulatory caution? And the U.S. could fine telecoms equipment maker ZTE $1 billion for bribery in Brazil. Why does Washington think it can force ZTE to pay such a large amount?

Foreign firms face China's cutthroat competition, while AI threatens knowledge platform Zhihu

A new survey is showing foreign investors in China are most concerned about cutthroat competition from Chinese rivals rather than the traditional concerns over market access. What's behind this changing mindset? And Q&A knowledge-sharing site Zhihu is facing an existential challenge from AI. How can the company compete in the face of such a big threat?