Uber is set to become the largest food delivery company outside China after announcing a $15 billion acquisition of Delivery Hero on Thursday. The combined entity posted $236 billion in pro forma gross bookings in 2025, far exceeding DoorDash's $102 billion in marketplace gross order value. China's Meituan remains the global leader with orders worth $246.5 billion.
Expanding Global Reach
The deal adds delivery operations in 50 markets across Africa, Asia, and Europe, including brands like foodpanda and Saudi Arabia's Hungerstation. Uber was already Delivery Hero's largest shareholder before the acquisition. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the move is not just about food delivery—it also aims to boost Uber's ride-hailing business.
Synergies and Cross-Selling
With the acquisition, Uber will nearly double the number of markets where it offers both ride-hailing and food delivery. Customers who use both services spend three times as much as single-service users, which Khosrowshahi called "our secret sauce." In the US, Uber has already expanded its app to include hotel bookings via Expedia and pre-ordered drinks or snacks for rides.