According to Ceconomy, the parent company of MediaMarktSaturn, talks with the Austrian authorities regarding the planned partnership – or takeover – by the Chinese firm JD.com are proving difficult. A delay is possible, and reports suggest that withdrawing from the Austrian market is an option.
The takeover of Ceconomy by the Chinese firm JD.com, announced in July 2025, was originally due to be completed in the first half of 2026. However, the timetable is now in serious jeopardy, as the parent company of the German electronics retailers MediaMarkt and Saturn has now announced. This appears to be due to difficult discussions with the relevant regulatory authorities in Austria. Whilst investment control authorities in France and Italy have already given the green light and approval from Germany – under compeition law the takeover had already been approved in Germany – and Spain is expected shortly, the Austrian investment control authority has apparently raised concerns. According to Ceconomy, the authority, which is part of the Austrian Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, is blocking efforts to find a joint solution.
There has been no comment on this from the Ministry itself. According to Austrian daily newspapers, the ongoing review application by JD.com has been withdrawn and is to be resubmitted. The reports further state that the relevant authority is irritated by Ceconomy’s statements. The Ministry told the Austrian daily press that it is being highly cooperative.
Furthermore, MediaMarkt manager Jan Niclas Brandt reportedly told the Kronen-Zeitung that a withdrawal of Ceconomy from Austria was a “last resort”. It is difficult to say what consequences this would have for the approximately 50 MediaMarkt branches in Austria. According to Ceconomy, however, commitments have been made to the supervisory authorities regarding locations, jobs, data protection and management independence. These would likely become void in the event of a withdrawal.
In a press release, Ceconomy states that, in light of developments in Austria, it is unclear whether it will be able to meet the expectation of completing the transaction in the first half of the year.
