• Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com Inc. is exploring a potential acquisition of UK electronics retailer Currys Plc, signaling a strategic move to diversify its growth avenues beyond its domestic market. In a regulatory filing on Monday, JD.com stated that it is at the early stages of evaluating a possible transaction, which could involve a cash offer for the entirety of Currys' issued share capital. This comes after reports by the Telegraph revealed exploratory discussions between the two companies in recent weeks. JD.com has until March 18 to make a decision on whether to proceed with an offer, according to the statement.

• Currys disclosed over the weekend its rejection of an offer from Elliott Advisors, valuing the company at 62 pence per share, citing the offer as significantly undervaluing its worth. Consequently, Currys' stock surged to around that price on Monday, marking a notable intraday jump of 38%. While Elliott's bid priced Currys at approximately £700 million ($882 million), the potential offer from JD.com remains undisclosed, with a company spokesperson declining to provide further details. Currys, a London-based retailer, operates a network of about 300 stores across the UK and employs over 15,000 individuals.