China says probing Didi, Uber deal on antitrust concerns

A mascot of Didi Chuxing is seen at the company's headquarters in Beijing, China, May 18, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

SHANGHAI: China's commerce ministry is investigating the planned acquisition by ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing of US rival Uber Technologies Inc's China unit over anti-monopoly concerns, the ministry's spokesman said. 

Shen Danyang told reporters the Ministry of Commerce would look to protect fair market competition and consumer interests in the deal, which will create a roughly US$35bil (RM143.27bil) giant dominating China's car-hailing market.