Tech and Science News
Uber in talks to buy food delivery firm Deliveroo: Bloomberg
(Reuters) - Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] is in early talks to buy food delivery company Deliveroo, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Uber application is seen on a mobile phone in London, Britain, September 14, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay
The value of the deal is not known, Bloomberg reported, adding that the offer would need to be considerably above Deliveroo’s latest valuation.
A Deliveroo worker makes a delivery in London, Britain August 15, 2016. REUTERS/Neil Hall
London-based Deliveroo was last year valued at more than $2 billion after raising $98 million from private investors.
According to the Bloomberg report, the talks could fall apart because Deliveroo and its investors have been reluctant to relinquish independence.
Deliveroo, which competes with companies such as Just Eat (JE.L), said in July that an initial public offering is not off the cards but was not in a hurry.
Since it started its services in London in 2013, Deliveroo has expanded into 11 other countries, with new markets due soon.
Both Uber and Deliveroo were not immediately available for comment.
Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel
Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.