Uber Eats pauses European expansion amid Delivery Hero acquisition bid

Uber has suspended the majority of its planned Uber Eats expansion across Europe, abandoning launches in five of the seven targeted markets—Austria, Norway, Greece and two undisclosed countries—while proceeding only in Finland and Denmark. The company cited the “huge success” of its Finnish and Danish roll‑outs and said it will focus on maintaining momentum in existing markets.

The pause comes as Uber intensifies its effort to acquire Delivery Hero, the German food‑delivery group valued at around €10 billion. Uber has raised its stake in Delivery Hero from roughly 25 % to nearly 37 % after buying shares from Aspex Management. Industry sources suggest the withdrawal from markets where Delivery Hero already operates (Foodora in Austria, Norway and the Czech Republic; efood in Greece; Glovo in Romania) may smooth a forthcoming EU antitrust review of the possible merger.

Analysts note that the decision reduces competitive pressure in the affected countries, benefitting incumbent players such as Glovo, Bolt Food and Wolt. Uber’s stock fell about 1.6 % after the news, reflecting market concerns over the strategic shift.