JD.com's Stock Dips As Ceconomy Deal Heats Up In Germany: Is the E-Commerce King Eyeing Expansion?

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, Inc. JD shares are trading lower in the premarket session on Wednesday.

The company is in the headlines today for reportedly reviving its interest in buying Düsseldorf, Germany-based Ceconomy AG, Bloomberg reports.

This is not the first time, when JD.com showed interest in the German retailer. Earlier in 2023, it expressed interest in Ceconomy.

According to Benzinga Pro, JD has gained over 80% in the past year.

This time, JD.com is aiming for deal and has approached shareholders of the German company, Bloomberg adds, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Apart from the Ceconomy update, JD.com had been in the news last year for announcing in that it would not proceed with a previously considered cash offer for UK-based Currys.

In a filing to the London Stock Exchange, the company cited “careful” consideration as the reason behind its decision to back away from the transaction, after initially exploring the potential move in early 2024.

Meanwhile, JD.com’s relationship with Walmart has also evolved.

After eight years of partnership, Walmart Inc. WMT last year sold its entire stake in JD.com, worth up to $3.74 billion, to refocus on its operations in China.

The two companies began their collaboration in 2016 when Walmart sold its Yihaodian grocery store to JD.com in exchange for a 5% stake, valued at around $1.5 billion at the time.

As JD.com explores its next moves, investors looking to gain exposure to the company can do so through the Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ), which includes JD.com in its portfolio.

While JD.com’s stock has seen a slight dip in premarket trading, the company’s ongoing strategic shifts reflect its ambitious plans for growth and expansion in global markets.

Price Action: JD shares are trading lower by 2.84% to $40.14 premarket at last check Wednesday.

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