Instacart Explores Sale to Uber or DoorDash

Grocery delivery platform Instacart is exploring a potential sale and has held preliminary discussions with potential buyers Uber Technologies Inc. and DoorDash. An investment bank is currently assisting the company in assessing its options.

Based on recent public technology deals, a typical takeover premium of 30% to 40% would value Instacart between $16 billion and $17 billion, though its current market value is estimated between $12 billion and $13 billion. Instacart shares rose approximately 9% following the report, while shares of Uber and DoorDash declined.

Such a deal would allow a buyer to combine Instacart's retailer ties with existing delivery networks, but the move would likely face antitrust scrutiny. Previous acquisition talks between DoorDash and Instacart in 2021, which would have valued the company at $40 billion to $50 billion, were derailed by regulatory concerns under the Biden administration. No formal agreement has been reached, and all three companies have declined to comment or have not responded to requests.