Uber Expands in Turkey with Major Trendyol Go Acquisition Boosting Uber Eats

Uber is significantly expanding its footprint in Turkey by acquiring an 85% controlling stake in Trendyol Go, a leading online meal and grocery delivery service based in Istanbul. The acquisition, valued at approximately $700 million in cash, marks Uber's strategic entry into Turkey's food delivery market, where it previously operated only ride-hailing services.

This move instantly establishes Uber Eats in Turkey, leveraging Trendyol Go’s existing infrastructure, which includes over 90,000 restaurants and 19,000 couriers. Trendyol Go is part of the larger Trendyol Group, a dominant fashion and retail e-commerce platform majority-owned by Alibaba. In 2024, Trendyol Go delivered more than 200 million orders, generating $2 billion in gross bookings, a 50% increase from the previous year.

The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Post-acquisition, users will continue to use the Trendyol Go app, with Uber planning to integrate key Uber Eats capabilities over time. This strategic expansion comes at a critical time as Uber faces intense competition in its home market, the U.S., particularly from DoorDash, which recently made significant acquisitions in Europe.

Uber’s broader strategy includes diversifying its service offerings and investing in autonomous vehicle partnerships across ride-hailing, delivery, and freight sectors. The Trendyol Go acquisition aligns with this vision by expanding Uber’s global delivery footprint and leveraging local market expertise to drive growth despite economic uncertainties and regulatory challenges.

This acquisition highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and market-specific adaptations in the competitive food delivery landscape. For businesses and developers, understanding such moves offers valuable lessons in scaling operations, integrating technology platforms, and navigating complex regulatory environments.

In summary, Uber’s acquisition of Trendyol Go represents a calculated expansion into a promising market, leveraging local expertise and technology integration to enhance its global delivery services. This move not only strengthens Uber’s position in Turkey but also signals its commitment to innovation and growth amid evolving market dynamics.