China Starts Antitrust Probe into Didi Before IPO, Reuters Says

China’s antitrust regulator has begun an investigation into Didi ahead of the ride-hailing giant’s planned initial public offering in the U.S., Reuters reported, citing three people with knowledge of the matter.

The State Administration for Market Regulation’s probe will look into whether Didi used any anti-competitive practices that squeezed out smaller rivals unfairly, two of the people told Reuters. The watchdog is also examining whether the pricing mechanisms used in Didi’s ride hailing business are transparent enough, according to the report.

Didi declined to comment to Bloomberg News. SAMR didn’t respond to requests for comment, Reuters said.

Didi, which last ...