Uber nears Delivery Hero takeover

Proposed deal could reshape competition in global food delivery.

Delivery Hero has confirmed it is in advanced negotiations with Uber Technologies over a potential takeover, marking a major step toward what could become one of the largest transactions in the global food delivery sector.

The German delivery group said discussions are ongoing and cautioned there is no certainty that a formal offer will be made, according to a Bloomberg report.

The negotiations follow months of speculation after Uber built a nearly 37% stake in the company in May and made a 38 euros per share offer.

For shareholders, the talks represent a potential opportunity to realize value after several years of volatility across the listed food delivery sector.

The proposed acquisition would significantly expand Uber Eats' presence across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, where Delivery Hero operates a broad portfolio of local delivery brands. Combining the two businesses could also create opportunities to improve operating efficiency through greater scale.

The negotiations also reflect a broader shift across the food delivery industry. After years of prioritizing customer acquisition and market expansion, companies are increasingly focused on profitability, cost discipline, and consolidation.

As growth has moderated and competition has intensified, M&A has emerged as an increasingly attractive route to strengthening market positions and improving long-term returns.

Attention will now turn to whether Uber submits a formal offer and how regulators assess the transaction.

Given the overlap between the companies' operations in several markets, competition authorities are likely to scrutinize the deal closely, and any approval process could require concessions or divestitures.

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