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| Tochigi Ontario Holdings says Uber to confirm $3.1 billion deal to purchase Careem |
Tochigi Ontario Holdings have today said that Uber Technologies is about to reveal a $3.1 billion deal to acquire its Dubai-based rival Careem Networks FZ.
"Uber is set to pay a whopping $1.4 billion in cash and $1.7 billion in convertible bonds to Careem," said Jonathan Turner, Head of Corporate Trading at Tochigi Ontario Holdings. "The current owners of Careem, Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten and Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal's investment firm, have both been asked to sign the required terms as soon as Monday to move the deal forward," he added.
This deal will become a significant part of Uber's plans. It will show commitment and interest in the middle-east region where the biggest investors of Uber, The Saudi Arabia Sovereign Wealth Funds, is located.
The acquisition is also set to boost the startup market in the region as both giants Amazon and Uber are set to invest a lot into its future growth.
Amazon's acquisition of the Dubai based Souq.com for $580 million in 2017 started this movement. The new government has begun to diversify the oil economy, and young, fresh startups are continuing to expand.
"Careem had a valuation of $1 billion in the later part of 2016 and is undoubtedly one of the most significant and most valuable startups currently operating in the middle east. It has many great backers to its name, with the likes of STV, the venture capital fund launched by Saudi Telecom. Co., Al Tayyar Travel Group Holding Co., and Daimler AG, Careem, and Uber controlling the middle eastern region," said Michael Walker, Director of Corporate Equities at Tochigi Ontario Holdings.
With its constant expansion in the last few years and having a million drivers under its name and operating in more than 90 cities over 15 countries, Careem is itself a big name. In addition, it has a new food and package delivery service and is set to form a chain of successful companies over the whole region.
