Just Eat Takeaway.com continues global growth with US acquisition

Food delivery specialist Just Eat Takeaway.com is set to expand its international footprint with the acquisition of an American firm.

The firm has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of GrubHub, a US online food delivery company.

The acquisition represents the firm’s entry into the US market, and follows the merger between Just Eat and Takeaway.com earlier this year.

On completion, Grubhub CEO and founder Matt Maloney will join the Just Eat Takeaway.com Management Board and will lead the combined group’s businesses across North America.

Jitse Groen, CEO and founder of Just Eat Takeaway.com, commented: “Matt and I are the two remaining food delivery veterans in the sector, having started our respective businesses at the turn of the century, albeit on two different continents. Both of us have a firm belief that only businesses with high-quality and profitable growth will sustain in our sector.

“I am excited that we can create the world’s largest food delivery business outside China. We look forward to welcoming Matt and his team to our company and working with them in the future.”

Matt Maloney, CEO and founder of Grubhub, added: “When Grubhub and Seamless were founded, the online takeout industry didn’t exist in the U.S.. My vision was to transform the delivery and pick-up ordering experience. Today, Grubhub is a leader across North America.

“I’ve known Jitse since 2007 and his story is much like mine. Combining the companies that started it all will mean that two trailblazing start-ups have become a clear global leader. We share a focus on a hybrid model that places extra value on volume at independent restaurants, driving profitable growth.

“Supported by Just Eat Takeaway.com, we intend to accelerate our mission to be the fastest, best and most rewarding way to order food from your favourite local restaurants in North America and around the world. We could not be more excited.”