DoorDash announced on 29 October a definitive agreement to acquire Instacart for $65 a share, giving an equity value of about $17 billion. At least 75% of the consideration will be paid in cash, and shareholders can choose cash, DoorDash shares or a mix, with stock capped at 25%. The price represents a 26% premium to the closing price on 22 October. The deal is expected to close between late 2027 and the first half of 2028, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

What it means: The deal brings together two of the largest delivery platforms in the US and shows the sector entering a phase of consolidation. DoorDash dominates restaurant meals while Instacart leads in supermarkets, so the combination creates a player with a huge base of customers, purchase data and partner stores. The long timeline to 2028 shows the companies expect detailed scrutiny from competition authorities, especially over the commissions restaurants and shops pay. In Europe, DoorDash already owns Wolt, which also operates in Greece, so the group's strategy directly affects the Greek delivery market. A larger, more profitable group can invest more in grocery delivery, in-app advertising and software for retailers, with experience likely to be carried over from the US. For supermarkets and local shops, platforms are becoming more essential but also stronger negotiating partners, so keeping their own sales channels matters. Consumers may see more subscriptions and unified loyalty programmes.

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