The marketplace podcast you didn't know you asked for (just like AI) is back. The Ostrich Report Ep 6 - JD.com Buys Into Germany… What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
This week we put the Ostrich in Ostrich Report by burying our heads deep into one of the most head-scratching deals of the year: JD.com spending €2.5B to buy Ceconomy, the German parent company of MediaMarkt and Saturn.
Yes, JD — the Chinese giant that was born an online retailer, flirted with marketplace models, wandered into logistics, cloud, and other shiny objects — is now buying two of Germany’s most traditional electronics retailers.
If you think this sounds like Amazon buying RadioShack in 2025, you’re not alone.
💡 Why this matters
Amazon Germany is the marketplace gorilla, owning the customer relationship and the search bar. JD isn’t walking into an open field — they’re walking into an Amazon-owned parking lot.
Germany’s retail culture is famously conservative. Family-owned businesses, slow digital adoption, and an in-person-first mentality. Perfect conditions for a Chinese e-commerce titan… said no one, ever.
MediaMarkt & Saturn are legacy names with massive store networks. Great for physical reach, but also great for draining cash if the pivot to omnichannel fails.
🎯 Key questions we ask in this episode:
Is JD buying growth or buying a headache?
Will they try to “China-fy” the German market or adapt to it?
Is this a play to hedge against Temu and Shein eating their lunch at home?
If this fails — and JD does not have a glowing history of European success — what’s Plan B?
Is this a long-term strategic anchor or just an expensive LinkedIn announcement?
🔥 Hendrik’s take: This could be the M&A of the year in Europe — if it works. But history says Chinese e-commerce players have a tough time in European retail. Logistics strength means nothing if the consumer doesn’t want your basket.
🔥 Vinny’s take: The boldness is admirable, but so is jumping into the Atlantic in January — doesn’t mean it’s sensible.
If you’re into deals where corporate strategy meets cultural friction, and you want your retail M&A with a side of sarcasm, Episode 6 delivers.
🎧 Listen here before JD releases a “synergy roadmap” PDF full of clip-art and German buzzwords.
#Ecommerce #Retail #Marketplaces #MergersAndAcquisitions #TheOstrichReport
