Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has blocked Grab’s proposed US$600 million acquisition of Delivery Hero’s foodpanda delivery business in Taiwan, citing competition concerns.

According to Reuters, the regulator announced its decision on 21 October, concluding that the potential harm to competition outweighed the transaction’s overall economic benefits.

The FTC also determined that the commitments offered by the companies were insufficient to address its competition concerns.

Grab agreed in March 2026 to acquire foodpanda’s Taiwanese operations for US$600 million in cash.

The acquisition would have marked Grab’s entry into its ninth market and its first outside Southeast Asia.

Grab had expected to complete the transaction in the second half of 2026, with plans to operate across 21 Taiwanese cities.

Following the regulator’s decision, Grab expressed disappointment but said its core business across Southeast Asia remained strong.

The company added that it would continue directing its capital and resources towards its regional growth plans.

Meanwhile, Delivery Hero said the transaction agreement includes protections, including a break fee arrangement, subject to certain conditions.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by Grab