Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Manus by Meta, valued at several billion dollars, is facing new uncertainties due to an evaluation investigation initiated by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, which may affect the completion of the deal [4][60][61]. Group 1: Regulatory Concerns - The Ministry of Commerce announced it will assess the acquisition's compliance with laws related to export control, technology import and export, and foreign investment [5][9][60]. - The term "evaluation investigation" used by the Ministry suggests a potential for either a routine compliance check or a more in-depth investigation [10][11]. - The Ministry emphasized that companies must adhere to Chinese laws and regulations when engaging in foreign investments and technology exports [9]. Group 2: Export Control and Data Management - AI technology is categorized under "restricted export" in China's technology export list, requiring a license for transfer to foreign entities [18][19]. - Any transfer of AI technology developed in China, even if moved to a foreign company, may require prior approval from the Ministry of Commerce [24][25]. - Companies must undergo a "security assessment" before transferring user data collected in China to foreign servers or companies [28][29]. Group 3: Potential Outcomes of the Investigation - Scenario One: If the evaluation finds compliance with Chinese laws, the acquisition will proceed as planned, allowing Meta to gain Manus's team and technology [36]. - Scenario Two: If procedural issues are identified but deemed remediable, the transaction may be delayed while necessary licenses are obtained [38]. - Scenario Three: If significant violations of export controls are found, the transaction could be halted or require substantial adjustments [39]. Group 4: Manus Development Timeline - Manus was founded in 2022 in Beijing, initially focusing on AI browser plugins before transitioning to a general-purpose AI agent product [42][44]. - The company gained significant attention after its product surpassed competitors in performance benchmarks shortly after its launch in March 2025 [45][46]. - By December 2025, Manus achieved an annual revenue of $125 million and was valued at $2 billion while being acquired by Meta [53][56][57].

Meta收购Manus，或许还未到尘埃落定之际。 2026年1月8日，就在外界以为Meta收购Manus一事已尘埃落定之际。 中国商务部在例行新闻发布会上的一番表态，为这笔备受瞩目、金额达数十亿美元的交易增添了新的不确定性。 据商务部新闻发言人何亚东透露，商务部将会同相关部门对此项收购与出口管制、技术进出口、对外投资等相关法律法规的一致性开展评估调查。 消息链接：商务部回应审查Meta收购Manus 这意味着，这笔被视为AI领域里程碑式的收购，或许依然处于「悬而未决」的状态。 商务部回应：评估调查正在进行 商务部的回应措辞审慎。 何亚东表示，中国政府一贯支持企业依法依规开展互利共赢的跨国经营与国际技术合作，但同时强调，企业从事对外投资、技术出口、数据出境、跨境并 购等活动，须符合中国法律法规，履行法定程序。 值得注意的是，商务部使用的措辞是「评估调查」，而非「正式调查」。 通俗解释一下，就是中国有一份「技术出口清单」，把技术分成三类： 这一表述存在解读空间：既可能是常规的合规审查，也可能升级为更深入的调查程序。 商务部回应涉及的法律法规解读 商务部在回应Manus收购案时，提到了「出口管制、技术进出口、对外投 ...