BEIJING — AI startup Manus announced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, that it will soon return to operating as an independent company after Beijing blocked its acquisition by Facebook owner Meta.

The acquisition deal, announced in December 2025, was reportedly worth around US$2 billion. However, in April 2026, China's top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission, prohibited the deal and required "the parties involved to withdraw the acquisition transaction."

Manus stated that this move is part of their separation from Meta to comply with regulatory requirements in specific parts of the world. The company also noted that data generated by some users on or after Meta's December 29 acquisition "needs to be deleted to comply with regulatory requirements in specific jurisdictions."

Analysts had warned at the time of the deal announcement that it might face regulatory challenges amid intense technological rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Prior to the ban announcement, the Financial Times reported that China had restricted two Manus co-founders from leaving the country.

The Manus AI agent app had been displayed on mobile phones with the Meta logo as part of the acquisition plans, but the regulatory intervention has forced Manus to cancel the deal and resume independent operations.

Sources