Uber proposes €33 per share takeover for Delivery Hero

Uber has proposed a takeover of Delivery Hero for €33 per share, a price nearly 2% below its closing value on Friday.

DC
David Chen

May 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Uber and Delivery Hero logos merging over a city skyline at dusk, symbolizing a potential acquisition and market consolidation.

Uber has proposed a takeover of Delivery Hero for €33 per share, a price nearly 2% below its closing value on Friday. Delivery Hero confirmed receiving this takeover offer from Uber, according to Reuters and BeInCrypto. The proposed €33 per share is approximately 1.76% below Delivery Hero’s Friday closing price, signaling an aggressive push for market dominance.

Uber seeks a full takeover of a major competitor. Yet, its initial offer price stands slightly below Delivery Hero's recent market valuation. Uber's initial offer price, slightly below Delivery Hero's recent market valuation, signals its aggressive intent to consolidate the food delivery market. It tests Delivery Hero's willingness to negotiate, aiming to expand Uber's global footprint and reduce competition.

Key Developments in Uber's Takeover Bid

  • Delivery Hero confirmed it received a takeover offer from Uber, according to Reuters and CNBC.
  • Uber submitted an indicative offer of €33 per share for Delivery Hero SE, according to BeInCrypto.
  • The proposed price is approximately 1.76% below Delivery Hero’s closing price on Friday, as detailed by BeInCrypto.
  • Uber acquired a 4.5% stake in food-delivery group Delivery Hero from Prosus, according to the Wall Street Journal.
  • This stake in Delivery Hero cost Uber 270 million euros, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
  • The offer creates tension as Uber seeks a full takeover of a major competitor with an initial price slightly below Delivery Hero's recent market valuation.

Uber's Calculated Pre-Emptive Strike

Uber strategically acquired a 4.5% stake in Delivery Hero from Prosus, a major shareholder. This calculated move cost Uber 270 million euros. The prior acquisition of a 4.5% stake indicates a long-term strategy by Uber to gain influence, setting the stage for the current bid.

Uber's dual action of acquiring a stake and submitting a discounted takeover bid signals a new, aggressive era for food delivery mergers and acquisitions. Market leaders now leverage financial strength to dictate terms, avoiding traditional bidding wars.

Implications for Food Delivery Market Consolidation

Uber's strategy reveals a sophisticated approach to market consolidation. The dual action of acquiring a strategic stake and then proposing a discounted takeover bid suggests an intent to gain internal leverage. This may soften the ground for a non-premium acquisition, challenging traditional M&A practices.

The indicative offer, nearly 2% below Delivery Hero's recent closing price, establishes a precedent for the food delivery sector. Financially strong entities like Uber may increasingly pursue opportunistic acquisitions. These bids prioritize cost efficiency over competitive bidding, potentially leading to more distressed sales for targets. Competitive markets, especially by late 2026, should anticipate such below-market acquisition attempts, as financial leverage now drives global dominance bids, exemplified by Uber's recent moves.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bid

What is Delivery Hero's current market value?

Delivery Hero's market valuation prior to the takeover bid was slightly above Uber's proposed offer. Uber's €33 per share offer is approximately 1.76% below Delivery Hero’s closing price on Friday, as reported by BeInCrypto.

What are the implications of Uber's takeover bid for Delivery Hero?

The bid places Delivery Hero shareholders in a position where they might accept a lower-than-market offer, according to the analysis. Beyond shareholders, smaller regional delivery services could face increased consolidation pressure as larger players expand their market control.

What was the purpose of Uber's initial stake acquisition in Delivery Hero?

Uber's acquisition of a 4.5% stake from Prosus before the full takeover bid was a strategic move. This action was likely designed to gain internal leverage and prepare the ground for the subsequent acquisition attempt, rather than a direct premium-based takeover.