June 29 (Reuters) - Chinese food delivery giant Meituan (3690.HK) said on Thursday that it is acquiring artificial intelligence (AI) company Light Year from its co-founder and former director Wang Huiwen, in a bid to develop its own generative AI.
The deal comes at a time when AI has captivated investor interest across the globe, prompting a flurry of investments or acquisitions by businesses in a rush to develop generative AI like ChatGPT.
The deal allows Meituan, in which online advertising giant Tencent (0700.HK) holds an 18.7% stake, to strengthen its position in the AI landscape of China.
Meituan will control 100% of Light Year after completion of the deal.
Reporting by Navya Mittal and John Biju in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh KuberOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Wang Huiwen, HongShan, Meituan, Wang, Navya Mittal, John Biju, Shailesh
Organizations:
HK, Sequoia Capital China Growth, Thomson
Locations:
China, Bengaluru