(ECNS) -- China's Ministry of Commerce is investigating the acquisition of Uber China by onetime rival ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing due to anti-monopoly concerns, a spokesman said at a news briefing on Thursday.
Gao Feng said the ministry had discussed the acquisition with Didi Chuxing many times and launched investigations over the merger in accordance with anti-monopoly laws and other regulations.
The ministry is now conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the influence of car hailing companies on market competition and other sectors through seminars, field research and analysis by third-party institutions, it was added.
Gao also said the ministry aims to protect fair market competition and encourage innovation in the car-hailing industry.
