Meta's $2 billion acquisition gets blocked by China. What the deal was all about in the first place.

By Steve Goldstein

Meta says it still expects an 'appropriate resolution' to the situation

China has blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus, the country's top economic planning body said on April 27, 2026, following media reports last month that Beijing had restricted two co-founders from leaving the country. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images)

Meta Platforms on Monday suffered a setback as a deal to acquire a company focused on autonomous artificial intelligence products was blocked.

Meta's plan to buy Singapore-headquartered Manus, reportedly for more than $2 billion, was blocked by Chinese regulators.

In a brief statement, China's National Development and Reform Commission said it decided to prohibit foreign investment in the Manus project and has required the parties involved to withdraw the acquisition.

The rejection came after reports that the co-founders of Manus had been blocked from leaving China.

Meta, for its part, still anticipates completing the deal. "The transaction complied fully with applicable law. We anticipate an appropriate resolution to the inquiry," said a company spokesperson.

At the time of the deal, a Manus venture-capital investor said the firm created the fastest product to go from zero to a $100 million annual run rate.

Meta Platforms (META) shares were steady in premarket trade on Monday. The stock has inched up 2% this year.

-Steve Goldstein

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04-27-26 0738ET