The merger of Dianping and Meituan is emblematic of the consolidation in China's internet sector, where growth is essential to prevent being overtaken by businesses with bigger wallets.
The $15bn merger agreed last week by group buying company Meituan and local services listing platform Dianping illustrates the increasing consolidation in China’s internet services sector.
Dianping was founded as a restaurant listings and reviews service but has since expanded into a wider ranging local services platform, adding more interactive features such as reservations, food delivery, group buying and online payment.
The company had raised more than $1.5bn from internet portal Tencent, smartphone maker Xiaomi, conglomerates Wanda and Fosun, Temasek…
