Chinese online retailer JD.com is raising US$2 billion to fund its warehousing and delivery unit, with the subsidiary offering services from warehousing to packaging and last-mile delivery for JD itself and increasingly, for third parties.

It is understood the firm eventually plans to list the business overseas.

 

JD until now has relied on holding inventory and operating its own logistics network, but it appears the change will mean investors will help pay for building new warehouses and other facilities.

 

Elsewhere, JD.com also is investing in Vietnam e-commerce platform Tiki and will become one of Tiki’s largest shareholders. It plans to partner with Tiki on merchandising, technology, financing and logistics.