Tripadvisor has entered into a put option agreement to sell TheFork, its European restaurant reservation and management platform, to American Express for €602m ($700m) in cash.
The agreement follows Tripadvisor’s decision earlier this year to review strategic options for TheFork.
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Tripadvisor Group CEO Matt Goldberg said: “This agreement reflects two things we believe deeply: the tangible value across Tripadvisor Group’s portfolio and our ongoing focus on the opportunity we see ahead in Experiences.
“We are proud of what we have built with TheFork and grateful for the team’s work to secure a leading position in European dining.
“I am confident that we have found an ideal home for them and look forward to expanding our relationship with American Express in the future.”
Tripadvisor said the divesture would increase its financial flexibility, supporting capital return plans. It will also keep its balance sheet “well-capitalised” and allow for further investment in its Experiences business, the travel review and booking platform added.
Founded in 2007, TheFork is a restaurant discovery and table reservation platform. It offers restaurant reservation, guest engagement and operational tools, alongside a consumer app and website for discovery and bookings.
According to an American Express statement, the platform connects “millions of diners” with more than 50,000 restaurants across 11 European countries.
The acquisition would extend American Express’ broader dining push following its purchases of Resy and Tock. It would also take its network to an estimated 75,000 bookable venues.
American Express chairman and CEO Stephen Squeri said: “In addition to welcoming TheFork to the American Express family, we are excited about the opportunity to deepen our relationship with Tripadvisor going forward.
“By building on our shared strengths across dining, travel and experiences, we have opportunities to create even greater value for customers and partners.”
The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to labour consultations, regulatory clearances and other customary conditions.
TheFork would continue to be run by its current leadership team following the closure.
