Taiwan Blocks Grab’s $600 Million Foodpanda Deal

Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission blocked Grab’s planned $600 million purchase of Delivery Hero’s Foodpanda business in Taiwan, saying the deal’s potential harm to competition outweighed its economic benefits. The commission said Grab’s ties to Uber—including Uber’s stake in Grab, shared board members and past partnerships—could discourage Grab from competing aggressively with Uber Eats or increase the risk of coordination. It also cited high barriers to entry and limited bargaining power for restaurants and consumers in a market dominated by Foodpanda and Uber Eats. The decision was approved by three commissioners, with one opposed and one abstaining; Delivery Hero retains the right to appeal and said the deal included protections such as a break-fee arrangement.