Saudi quick-commerce unicorn Ninja is reportedly weighing a move for Delivery Hero’s assets in the Middle East, in a potential challenge to Uber’s ambitions to take over the German food delivery group.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Financial Times (FT) reported that Ninja is exploring a bid for HungerStation, Delivery Hero’s Saudi operation. It is also looking to partner with another buyer for portions of Dubai-based food delivery platform Talabat.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Securing a valuation of $1.5bn following a funding round last year, Ninja is understood to be concentrating first on HungerStation.
The Saudi unit is seen as simpler to integrate into Ninja’s existing operations and less likely to trigger major regulatory concerns, sources told FT.
A formal offer could be presented to Delivery Hero’s board as early as this week.
However, talks remain at an early stage, and Ninja may ultimately decide not to proceed.
A number of Delivery Hero shareholders previously told the publication that they would support bids close to €10bn for the two assets, with the majority made up of Talabat.
That would pose a challenge to Uber after its latest stake increase in Delivery Hero, which valued the group at €12bn.
DoorDash has also expressed an interest in Delivery Hero’s Middle East arm.
Separately, technology investor Prosus, which was Delivery Hero’s largest shareholder until last month, has been weighing an increase in its holding to block Uber’s takeover bid.
Delivery Hero’s board is currently assessing options that include a full sale of the company or a series of deals that would separate its Middle East and South Korea businesses.
