Taiwan blocks Grab’s $600 million Foodpanda deal, citing Uber’s 13.1% stake in the Southeast Asian super app

Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission has blocked Grab Holdings’ planned $600 million acquisition of Delivery Hero’s Foodpanda business in Taiwan.

The decision places a major regulatory obstacle in the path of Grab’s effort to take control of Foodpanda’s Taiwanese operations. The commission cited Grab’s financial and board connections to Uber, which runs the island’s other leading food delivery platform.

Uber connection drives the decision

According to the commission, Grab holds a 13.1% equity stake in Uber and has board ties to the US-based company. Uber operates a leading food delivery service in Taiwan, making its relationship with Grab central to the regulator’s review.

Grab is headquartered in Singapore and operates as a Southeast Asian super app. Delivery Hero, meanwhile, owns Foodpanda and was the seller involved in the proposed transaction.

Implications for the proposed deal

The ruling means Grab cannot proceed with the $600 million purchase of Foodpanda’s Taiwan business on the terms reviewed by the commission. It also highlights the regulatory significance of ownership and governance links between companies active in the same food delivery market.

The decision leaves the future of the proposed acquisition unresolved. The available information does not state whether Grab, Delivery Hero or Uber plans to take further action following the ruling.

Why the ruling matters

The case connects three major names in the sector: Grab, Foodpanda and Uber. Taiwan’s regulator focused not only on the proposed transfer of Foodpanda but also on Grab’s existing relationship with Uber, including the 13.1% stake and board connections.

For now, Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission has stopped Grab’s planned purchase of Foodpanda in the market.