(Yicai Global) Sept. 1 -- Rumors surfaced today that Chinese online retail giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. [NYSE:BABA] will acquire Leshi Holding Beijing Co., LeEco's holding company.

"It is fake news," Chinese media outlet Ifeng quoted the e-commerce stalwart as saying.

Leshi staff also denied the rumors, saying they'd not heard of a takeover.

Similar speculation has appeared previously but both firms were quick to dismiss them.