DoorDash Makes $3.6 Billion Offer to Acquire UK-Based Deliveroo

By Agroempresario.com

In a major move to expand its global presence, DoorDash, the leading US-based food delivery service, has made a “possible cash offer” to acquire Deliveroo, a UK-headquartered delivery giant. The proposed offer, valued at £3.6 billion (approximately $3.6 billion), is based on a cash payment of 180 pence per share.

According to a filing with UK regulators, Deliveroo has indicated that it would be “minded to recommend such an offer to its shareholders,” provided certain financial conditions are met. However, DoorDash has yet to comment publicly on the deal.

Following the announcement, Deliveroo’s shares surged to their highest levels in over three years, signaling investor optimism about the potential acquisition.

Founded in 2013, Deliveroo provides food delivery services in major European markets, including the UK, France, and Italy, as well as in countries outside Europe such as Singapore and the UAE. The company’s extensive network across Europe and beyond positions it as a strong player in the global delivery market.

If the deal goes through, it will significantly strengthen DoorDash’s international operations, which are still largely centered in the US. This move follows DoorDash’s 2021 acquisition of Wolt, a quick-delivery service based in Finland, which expanded DoorDash’s presence in Japan and parts of Europe.

As part of the agreement, DoorDash must make a “firm intention” to submit a formal offer to Deliveroo’s shareholders by May 23, 2025. This deadline highlights the timeframe in which the deal is expected to be finalized.

The potential acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidation within the food delivery industry. In 2020, Takeaway.com merged with Just Eat to form Just Eat Takeaway.com, which is now set to be acquired by investment firm Prosus for around $4.3 billion. Additionally, Just Eat Takeaway.com acquired Grubhub in 2021, before selling it in 2024 at a significant loss.

Analysts believe that the DoorDash-Deliveroo deal is unlikely to face major regulatory hurdles, as the two companies operate in largely non-overlapping markets, reducing the chances of antitrust issues. This acquisition, if completed, would mark a significant milestone in the competitive landscape of global food delivery services.