Brussels is preparing to launch a detailed antitrust review of JD.com's acquisition of Ceconomy, marking the first time the European Union has conducted an in-depth examination of a Chinese company's takeover of a European business. The move reflects growing regulatory wariness around Beijing-linked deals in the bloc.

Ceconomy operates major electronics retail chains across Europe, making the acquisition one of the largest Chinese takeovers on the continent. EU officials have grown more cautious about approving transactions involving Chinese firms, particularly those raising data security and competition concerns.

The probe adds regulatory uncertainty for JD.com, which has already faced delays in closing the deal. European regulators have tightened scrutiny on foreign takeovers tied to Chinese state-connected companies, and the review could force concessions or block the transaction altogether.