China bars Manus co-founders from leaving country as it reviews sale to Meta, FT reports

Meta's proposed $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus is under review by Chinese regulators, and China has barred two Manus co‑founders from leaving the country while authorities assess whether the deal violates investment rules. The action raises regulatory and geopolitical risk to deal completion, signaling tougher scrutiny on foreign tech M&A in China and creating headwinds for cross‑border AI investments and Meta's strategic ambitions.

Analysis

Meta's proposed $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus is under review by Chinese regulators, and China has barred two Manus co‑founders from leaving the country while authorities assess whether the deal violates investment rules. The action raises regulatory and geopolitical risk to deal completion, signaling tougher scrutiny on foreign tech M&A in China and creating headwinds for cross‑border AI investments and Meta's strategic ambitions.