The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has imposed (6 January) a fine of RMB 1.75 million (USD 238,979) on Hunan Mingming Very Busy Commercial Chain Co., Ltd. (formerly Hunan Snack Very Busy Commercial Chain Co., Ltd. until May 2024, hereinafter referred to as “Mingming Very Busy Co.”) for illegally implementing a concentration of undertakings. The penalty relates to its acquisition of shares in Yichun Zhao Yiming Food Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhao Yiming Co.”) without regulatory approval.
This case marks the fourth disclosed penalty for illegal concentrations of undertakings since the amended Anti-Monopoly Law of the People’s Republic of China came into effect. The decision reflects the SAMR’s continued focus on ensuring market competition.
According to the penalty decision, Mingming Very Busy Co.’s acquisition of Zhao Yiming Co.’s equity constituted an unlawful concentration of undertakings. However, mitigating factors influenced the final penalty amount. Mingming Very Busy Co. and its affiliates had no prior violations of this nature, actively cooperated with the investigation, and implemented effective antitrust compliance measures. These efforts contributed to a reduction in the fine.
Under Article 26 of the Anti-Monopoly Law, business operators must file a declaration with the State Council’s antitrust enforcement agency if a concentration meets the prescribed reporting thresholds. Implementing the concentration without such a declaration is prohibited.
Source: https://www.samr.gov.cn/xw/mtjj/art/2025/art_adf371f9cc9f46fdb281b0fe9029a96b.html
