Takeaway marks a major milestone in the European food delivery market as Prosus secures conditional approval from the European Union to acquire the company, signaling a significant consolidation in the industry and promising enhanced innovation, competition, and consumer choice across the continent.
Introduction
In a remarkable strategic achievement, Prosus, the most valuable publicly traded company in South Africa, has secured conditional approval from the European Union to acquire Just Eat Takeaway. This acquisition, valued at approximately 4.1 billion euros, is set to reshape the European online food delivery market by combining two major players. The deal highlights the complexity of regulatory approvals and competition law in the European Union, especially in fast-growing sectors like food delivery.
This article examines the significance of the acquisition for Prosus and the food delivery industry, the regulatory challenges faced, the conditions imposed by the EU, and the future prospects of the combined company.
Background: Prosus and Just Eat Takeaway
Prosus is a global consumer internet group with interests in online classifieds, payments, education technology, and food delivery. It operates worldwide and is a subsidiary of Naspers, a major South African multinational. Prosus has become known for its investments and operations in large digital platforms globally.
Just Eat Takeaway is one of Europe’s largest food delivery platforms, active in countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. It connects millions of consumers with restaurants, offering convenience and choice through its platform.
The acquisition fits into Prosus’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in food delivery, particularly in Europe’s growing market.
Key Details of the Acquisition
Prosus offered 70 euros per share to acquire Just Eat Takeaway, valuing the company at around 4.1 billion euros. This price represents a significant premium, reflecting Prosus’s determination to complete the deal.
The acquisition process started months ago and has undergone thorough regulatory review due to the strategic importance and competitive impact of the deal. If successful, Prosus will consolidate its position in the European food delivery market.
Regulatory Challenges
A major regulatory concern arose from Prosus’s ownership stake in Delivery Hero, a competitor of Just Eat Takeaway in several European countries. This overlap raised antitrust concerns, as the combined ownership could reduce competition in these markets.
Delivery Hero has previously faced regulatory scrutiny over market practices, which heightened the attention on Prosus’s acquisition plan. The European Commission evaluated the potential risks to competition and consumer welfare.
Remedies Proposed by Prosus
To address the regulatory concerns, Prosus committed to the following:
- Reducing its stake in Delivery Hero to less than 10 percent within one year of closing the deal to prevent significant influence over the competitor.
- Resigning from Delivery Hero’s board and relinquishing management rights.
- Ensuring that the divestment process is supervised independently to guarantee compliance.
These commitments were essential to receiving the European Commission’s conditional approval.
European Commission’s Conditional Approval
On August 11, 2025, the European Commission announced its conditional approval of the acquisition, acknowledging that the proposed remedies adequately address competition concerns. This approval allows the deal to proceed once all conditions are met, including the required stake reduction in Delivery Hero.
Failure to comply with these conditions could lead to revocation or penalties.
Strategic Importance for Prosus and Just Eat Takeaway
The acquisition strengthens Prosus’s presence in Europe’s food delivery market, complementing its global food delivery investments. It combines Prosus’s technological expertise with Just Eat Takeaway’s market reach.
The deal opens opportunities for innovation, including improving delivery logistics through technology and expanding services into groceries and fintech.
For Just Eat Takeaway, access to Prosus’s resources can support growth, enhance customer experiences, and enable expansion into new areas.
Financial and Market Impact
The acquisition’s valuation reflects confidence in the combined entity’s future. It diversifies Prosus’s portfolio and strengthens recurring revenue streams, positioning the company well against global competitors.
Investors view the deal positively, anticipating synergies and growth, though integration risks remain.
Future Outlook and Integration
Prosus plans to:
- Expedite the reduction of its stake in Delivery Hero.
- Integrate operations to optimize efficiency and service.
- Invest in technological advancements to differentiate the business.
- Explore growth opportunities in adjacent markets and services.
Effective management of integration challenges will be key to realizing the acquisition’s full value.
Broader Industry Implications
This acquisition exemplifies consolidation trends in food delivery, driven by the need to scale operations, reduce costs, and innovate. Regulatory oversight remains critical to maintaining competitive markets.
Consumers may benefit from improved services, but regulators will continue to monitor market power concentration.
Conclusion
Prosus’s conditional approval to acquire Just Eat Takeaway marks a pivotal moment in the European food delivery sector. The deal combines strategic growth ambitions with regulatory compliance, positioning Prosus as a leading player.
Successful execution of the deal and fulfillment of conditions will determine its ultimate impact on competition and innovation in the market.
For detailed information on the regulatory decision, the European Commission’s official announcement provides comprehensive insights.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_4104
