Uber on Friday confirmed the official close of its acquisition of Dubai-based car hailing app Careem for $3.1 billion.
Careem Networks has now become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uber, preserving its brand, a statement said, adding that Careem co-founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha will continue to lead the Careem business.
Sheikha will report to a board made up of three representatives from Uber and two representatives from Careem, the statement said.
It added that Careem and Uber will operate their respective regional services and independent brands.
With the closing of the deal, Uber said it has acquired Careem’s mobility, delivery, and payments businesses across the greater Middle East region, with major markets including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The regulatory approval process in Pakistan, Qatar and Morocco is ongoing and the transaction will not close in these territories until approvals from the legal authorities responsible are obtained.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said: “I’m looking forward to seeing even more innovation from Careem, as they continue to operate independently under their current leadership. Working in parallel, our two platforms will be able to build upon the unique strengths of each, to the benefit of drivers, riders, and the cities we serve across the greater Middle East.”
Sheikha added: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Careem. The journey that we started almost a decade ago to simplify the lives of people in the greater Middle East is far from over. Joining forces with Uber accelerates that journey as we become the region’s everyday super app.
“We are excited to take Careem to new heights alongside Uber, who appreciates the significant regional opportunity, is supportive of our values and culture, and believes in the purpose that drives us.”
Both companies said they believe the completed acquisition will provide an opportunity to expand the variety and reliability of services offered through their applications.
They added that for drivers and captains, the companies believe an increase in trip growth and improved services could provide better economic opportunities as well as more predictable earnings through greater ese of drivers’ time on the road. More
By Sam Bridge arabianbusiness.com
