China launches anti-trust probe into Comcast, DreamWorks deal

China's commerce ministry will launch an anti-monopoly probe into Comcast Corp's planned purchase of DreamWorks Animation after receiving unspecified complaints that the U.S. media deal could hurt competition in the Chinese market. The investigation comes as China's anti-trust watchdog has hardened its stance on companies striking deals without seeking its clearance, with the body naming, shaming and fining almost a dozen firms over the past year for "gun-jumping". Comcast, owner of NBCUniversal, said in April it would pay $3.8 billion to buy DreamWorks, the producer of the "Kung Fu Panda" and "Shrek" franchises, which was also one of the first Hollywood names to open a production studio in China.