Geely chairman eyes phone-making by acquiring Meizu Tech

Founded nearly 20 years ago, Meizu was one of the pioneers of China’s fast-follower cadre of phone makers who built up their market by closely imitating the look and feel of Apple Inc’s iPhone. — Meizu

Li Shufu, founder and chairman of carmaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co, is expanding his manufacturing empire to include smartphones and consumer electronics by acquiring a majority of shares in Android device maker Meizu Technology Co.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, Meizu was one of the pioneers of China’s fast-follower cadre of phone makers who built up their market by closely imitating the look and feel of Apple Inc’s iPhone. Hubei Xingji Shidai Technology Co, a mobile device company founded by Li in 2021, has signed an agreement to acquire 79.09% of Meizu, according to a company statement released by Xingji Technology.