Tencent heats up Alibaba rivalry with rumored JD.com acquisition

Chinese based internet and Ecommerce firm Tencent is reportedly buying a stake in local online marketplace JD.com.

Continuing its rivalry with Chinese Ecommerce juggernaut Alibaba, Tencent might soon have a stake in Alibaba’s Tmall’s main competitor. JD.com is China’s second largest online marketplace trumped solely by Tmall. If the rumors are true, Tencent will find itself head to head with Alibaba in its most lucrative market.

The report of the Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition means acquiring or taking possession or the securing of property, services, or abilities. To put it simply, it is the act or process of acquiring or gaining. You can acquire a work of art, you can acquire an ability such as speaking another language, you can acquire a business or shares in a company and you can acquire an accountant's service. For example, you can acquire a new car. In a broad sense, Acquisition can mean the act of taking ownership or possession of something. There Acquisition means acquiring or taking possession or the securing of property, services, or abilities. To put it simply, it is the act or process of acquiring or gaining. You can acquire a work of art, you can acquire an ability such as speaking another language, you can acquire a business or shares in a company and you can acquire an accountant's service. For example, you can acquire a new car. In a broad sense, Acquisition can mean the act of taking ownership or possession of something. There Read this Term comes from the Wall Street Journal, where “a person familiar with the matter” mentioned Tencent has appointed Barclays to advise the firm on taking a stake of JD.com.

Tencent has been on Alibaba’s heels for some time. The firm’s social messaging application WeChat has transformed from a simple IM platform to become one of the most used mobile payment applications in China, challenging Alibaba’s mobile wallet Alipay. The firms are also sparing for the mobile taxi hailing segment, with both companies offering similar apps.

This would not be Tencent first foray into the online marketplace segment. Tencent owns and operates QQ Buy and 51Buy e-stores. However, with stiff competition from the likes of Alibaba, the tech giant has found more success in mobile, social media, and gaming.

JD.com is soon planning an IPO and was estimated at $1.5 billion. JD.com has over 35.8 million active users, 25.7 million products for sale, and raked in close to $16 billion in sales throughout 2013.

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