Uber has agreed to acquire workplace catering platform ezCater for $2.3 billion in cash, expanding Uber Eats further into large group orders and business meals. The transaction gives Uber access to a catering marketplace that generated more than $2.5 billion in gross bookings over the past 12 months.
The companies announced the acquisition agreement as Uber continues broadening the services available through its food delivery business. ezCater, founded in 2007, connects businesses with restaurants and caterers for workplace meals and larger food orders.
Uber Eats moves deeper into workplace catering
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said catering can provide restaurants with access to larger, higher-value orders. By bringing ezCater into Uber Eats, the company plans to make those orders available to more customers while giving participating restaurants another channel for business demand.
The acquisition supports Uber’s broader expansion of its delivery operations. The company is also pursuing a $15 billion acquisition of Delivery Hero and has invested in and partnered with drone delivery companies including Zipline and Flytrex.
The ezCater transaction is expected to close after regulatory approvals and other customary conditions are satisfied. Once completed, it will give Uber a larger position in workplace meals and corporate catering alongside its existing restaurant delivery business.
