Meta Platforms Acquires Singapore Based AI Firm Manus in 2 Billion Dollar Deal

Meta Platforms Inc has agreed to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based artificial intelligence company with Chinese origins, in a transaction valued at more than $2 billion, according to reports published on Tuesday. The acquisition, which was completed in approximately 10 days, represents an unusual instance of a US technology firm purchasing an Asian counterpart.

The social media conglomerate intends to maintain Manus’ AI service as an operational and commercial entity whilst simultaneously integrating its underlying technology into Meta’s existing product portfolio. A company spokesperson has confirmed that Manus will cease all services and operations within China. All previous investors, including Tencent Holdings Ltd, ZhenFund and HSG, have been fully divested from the company as part of the acquisition.

Manus, which was originally founded in China before relocating its headquarters to Singapore, gained significant industry attention earlier this year following the launch of its AI agent. The platform is capable of executing various tasks, including resume screening, travel planning and stock analysis. Prior to the acquisition, the company had achieved an annual revenue run rate of $125 million and had been valued at approximately $500 million during a funding round led by US venture capital firm Benchmark.

Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has made artificial intelligence development a strategic priority for the organisation, committing substantial capital towards recruiting researchers, constructing data centres and developing advanced AI models. Industry analysts view the Manus acquisition as a strategic manoeuvre designed to accelerate Meta’s AI initiatives and generate more immediate returns on the company’s considerable AI investments.

The transaction underscores the intensifying competition among major technology firms to secure AI capabilities and talent. The rapid completion of the deal, executed in roughly 10 days, suggests Meta identified Manus as a strategic asset warranting expedited acquisition. The integration of Manus’ technology may provide Meta with enhanced capabilities in AI-driven task automation and decision support systems.