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Saudi Arabia Reviews Uber’s $14.8 Billion Delivery Hero Takeover

By  |  September 24, 2026
Saudi Arabia Reviews Uber’s $14.8 Billion Delivery Hero Takeover

Saudi Arabia’s competition regulator is examining Uber Technologies Inc.’s proposed $14.8 billion acquisition of Delivery Hero SE, adding regulatory scrutiny in a market that has become increasingly important to the German food-delivery company.

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    The Saudi General Authority for Competition is investigating the transaction, according to Global Competition Review. The publication reported the review on Sept. 24, citing the planned combination of Uber and Delivery Hero.

    The examination puts a spotlight on the competitive implications of one of the food-delivery industry’s largest recent consolidation moves. Uber agreed in July to acquire Berlin-based Delivery Hero in a transaction valued at about $14.8 billion, according to earlier reporting cited by Global Competition Review. The companies have previously expressed confidence that the transaction can proceed without significant antitrust obstacles, in part because overlapping operations have already been sold.

    Saudi Arabia is particularly significant to the transaction because Delivery Hero owns HungerStation, one of the kingdom’s major food-delivery platforms. The acquisition would give Uber, which already operates a ride-hailing business in Saudi Arabia, a substantial position in the country’s delivery market through HungerStation.

    Delivery Hero has also identified Saudi Arabia as an important market for customer engagement. About 61% of the value of orders in the country has come from customers enrolled in its subscription or loyalty programs, according to previously reported company figures.

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    The kingdom has become a closely contested delivery market. HungerStation held an estimated 40% share at the end of 2025, compared with roughly 33% for Meituan’s Keeta and more than 20% for Saudi-listed Jahez, according to Momentum Works estimates cited by Arab News.

    Related: Uber’s $14.8 Billion Delivery Hero Deal Faces Korean Antitrust Scrutiny

    Uber’s takeover would extend well beyond Saudi Arabia. The transaction is intended to combine two major global delivery networks and create the largest food-delivery group outside China, Reuters reported when the agreement was announced in July.

    The proposed deal values Delivery Hero at €41.50 a share and would expand Uber’s delivery operations into markets where it currently has a more limited presence. Delivery Hero operates brands across Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, including HungerStation and Talabat.

    Saudi scrutiny comes as the kingdom strengthens oversight of corporate transactions. Its merger-control system has experienced record filing activity and tighter notification thresholds, while the General Authority for Competition has increased its attention to digital markets, according to Global Competition Review’s coverage of the Saudi regime.

    The regulator’s review does not by itself indicate that the transaction will be blocked or subjected to conditions. It does, however, make Saudi approval an additional regulatory consideration for Uber and Delivery Hero as they seek to complete the global combination.

    The companies previously said they expected the transaction to close within 12 months of its announcement, according to Global Competition Review.

    Source: Global Competition Review