Meta Platforms is reversing its largest artificial intelligence acquisition as original Chinese investors negotiate to repurchase startup Manus. The buyback price remains at two billion dollars, matching what Meta paid just six months ago, despite Manus reportedly quadrupling its revenue to between four hundred and five hundred million dollars since the deal closed.
Beijing mandated this unwinding in June 2026, citing national security concerns regarding AI technology exports. Meta initiated operational separation on June 13 and has ceased all data sharing with the entity.
Early backers including HSG, ZhenFund, and Tencent are leading the repurchase effort. This consortium is currently exploring a one billion dollar capital raise to finance the transaction. Unlike typical forced divestitures where sellers demand premiums for appreciated assets, the government mandate has fundamentally altered negotiation dynamics.
Manus specializes in general-purpose AI agents capable of executing complex tasks across multiple applications. Founded in China before relocating operations to Singapore, the company will now restructure as a Chinese joint venture. This new framework grants domestic investors and regulators direct oversight while positioning the firm for a potential future IPO in Hong Kong.