Tencent Holdings is reportedly in discussions to become the largest shareholder in Manus, a Chinese “agentic” AI startup, according to reports citing the Financial Times. The talks come after Meta Platforms’ previously announced acquisition of Manus was blocked by the Chinese authorities in Beijing.
Business Line reports that Tencent and Manus’ original investors, including ZhenFund and HSG, plan to buy back the company from Meta for at least US$2 billion. Under the proposed arrangement, Tencent would take a leading equity position, making it Manus’ largest shareholder, while the original investors would also participate in the buyback.
Details on the timing, final valuation, and deal structure are not provided in the available reports, and there is no confirmation from Tencent, Manus, or Meta in the excerpts. The reporting indicates the effort focuses on returning control of the startup to its original backers following the regulatory outcome involving Meta’s acquisition.
