Meta Platforms is reportedly in discussions to unwind its acquisition of Manus, with the startup’s early backers—including HSG, ZhenFund and Tencent—planning to buy back the company at the $2 billion price Meta paid in December 2025.
The proposed transaction follows an order from Chinese regulators directing Meta (Nasdaq: META) to reverse the acquisition amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. investments in Chinese artificial intelligence companies developing advanced technologies, according to The Information. HSG and ZhenFund are reportedly considering deploying fresh capital to acquire Meta’s stake.
Manus, headquartered in Singapore, develops AI agents capable of autonomously completing tasks with minimal human intervention. Following regulatory pressure from Beijing, Meta has reportedly separated Manus operationally and halted data-sharing arrangements between the two companies. Manus is also said to be evaluating a restructuring into a China-incorporated joint venture, which could facilitate a future listing in Hong Kong.