Uber in advanced talks on Delivery Hero takeover, Bloomberg News reports

Uber Technologies is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Delivery Hero, a leading European food delivery company based in Germany. The potential deal, first reported by Bloomberg News, suggests that Uber is close to finalizing an agreement with Delivery Hero, potentially within days. According to insiders cited by Bloomberg, the transaction could significantly increase Delivery Hero’s valuation beyond its current market price of approximately €36 per share. The proposed acquisition comes after Uber increased its stake in Delivery Hero earlier this year. In May, the ride-hailing giant acquired additional shares from Aspex Management, raising its ownership to nearly 37 percent from 25 percent. This move signaled growing interest in expanding Uber’s presence in the food delivery sector. At the time, Uber reportedly made a €33-per-share offer for Delivery Hero, which was below the current trading price. However, the latest developments suggest that Uber is prepared to pay a premium to secure control of the company. Delivery Hero’s stock surged over 5 percent following the news, reaching €38.93 per share, indicating investor confidence in the possibility of a takeover. Meanwhile, Uber’s shares fell nearly 3 percent, possibly due to concerns about the financial implications of such a large acquisition. Both companies have remained silent on the matter so far. Uber has not commented on the Bloomberg report, and Delivery Hero has yet to issue a formal response. The potential acquisition marks a major step in Uber’s strategy to expand into the food delivery market. While Uber has long operated in this space through its own services, including Uber Eats, the acquisition of Delivery Hero would provide immediate access to one of Europe’s largest food delivery platforms. Delivery Hero operates in over 40 countries and has a strong presence in key markets such as Germany, France, and Italy. A successful bid would allow Uber to consolidate its position in the global food delivery industry and reduce competition in key regions. The timing of the potential deal appears strategic. With the food delivery sector experiencing rapid growth, especially in Europe, Uber may be seeking to strengthen its foothold before other competitors make similar moves. The company has faced increasing pressure to diversify its revenue streams amid slowing growth in its core ride-hailing business. Acquiring Delivery Hero would not only bolster Uber’s portfolio but also provide valuable data and logistics infrastructure that could enhance its existing operations. Industry analysts have speculated that the deal could face regulatory hurdles, particularly in Europe, where antitrust laws are stringent. Uber already holds a significant stake in Delivery Hero, which may complicate the approval process. Nevertheless, the company has shown a willingness to navigate complex regulatory environments in previous acquisitions. If completed, the deal would represent one of Uber’s largest investments outside of its core business and signal a shift toward deeper integration of food delivery services into its ecosystem. The situation remains fluid, with both companies expected to provide further updates in the coming days. Investors are closely watching the outcome, as the success of the deal could influence the broader food delivery landscape and set new benchmarks for corporate takeovers in the tech sector. For now, the prospect of a merger continues to generate speculation and anticipation among stakeholders.