Uber pauses expansion into five European markets amid potential Delivery Hero acquisition talks
Uber has suspended expansion into five European markets as the company continues to pursue a potential acquisition of Delivery Hero.
1. Expansion Plans Halted
Uber has reportedly paused plans to launch in five of the seven new European markets it identified earlier this year. While the company initially announced an ambitious expansion strategy in February 2026, it has now decided to delay entry into countries including Austria, Greece, and Norway. Uber stated that it intends to prioritize maintaining momentum in existing markets, noting that recent launches in Denmark and Finland have been successful.
2. Potential Acquisition Strategy
Industry analysts suggest the pause may be linked to Uber’s ongoing efforts to acquire the European delivery firm Delivery Hero. In May 2026, Delivery Hero rejected a 10 billion euro takeover bid from Uber, though reports indicate that Uber remains interested in pursuing the deal. By slowing its own expansion, Uber may be attempting to mitigate potential antitrust concerns, as Delivery Hero currently operates delivery services in several of the markets where Uber had planned to launch.