In a significant consolidation within the artificial intelligence sector, technology conglomerate Meta has announced its acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI firm originally founded in China. While the official transaction value remains undisclosed, financial analysts from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal estimate the deal exceeds $2 billion, signaling Meta’s substantial commitment to advancing its AI capabilities.
The acquisition centers on Manus’s pioneering work in developing what it describes as “truly autonomous” AI agents. These sophisticated tools represent a evolutionary step beyond conventional chatbots, capable of independently planning, executing, and completing complex multi-step tasks—from travel itinerary organization to professional presentation creation—with minimal human intervention.
Meta’s strategic vision incorporates Manus’s technology and talent into its broader ecosystem. “Manus’s exceptional talent will join Meta’s team to deliver general-purpose agents across our consumer and business products, including Meta AI,” the company stated in an official announcement. Industry analyst Barton Crockett of Rosenblatt Securities characterized the acquisition as a “natural fit” that aligns seamlessly with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s ambitious vision for personalized AI assistants.
Founded by Chinese entrepreneurs before relocating its headquarters to Singapore, Manus has distinguished itself through its unique approach to AI development. The company’s foundational mission to “extend human reach” through assistive rather than replacement technology positions it ideally within Meta’s product philosophy.
Manus CEO Xiao Hong, reflecting on the acquisition, described it as “validation” of the company’s technological direction. “Joining Meta allows us to build on a stronger, more sustainable foundation without changing how Manus works or how decisions are made,” Hong noted, emphasizing continuity in both product development and corporate culture.
This transaction represents Meta’s latest strategic maneuver in an aggressive AI expansion campaign. The tech giant recently invested $14 billion to acquire a 49% stake in Scale AI while simultaneously recruiting its leadership to helm Meta’s AI development initiatives. This acquisition spree coincides with reported talent recruitment from established AI leaders including OpenAI, underscoring the intensifying competition for expertise in this rapidly evolving field.
Meta confirmed that Manus’s AI services will continue operating and available to existing customers post-acquisition, ensuring business continuity while integrating the technology into Meta’s expanding portfolio of AI-driven products and services.