Talabat acquires Instashop as it looks to expand network

Cairo – March 6, 2025: Talabat Holding has successfully completed the acquisition of Instashop, a leading online grocery delivery platform in the region, according to a Thursday press release.

The deal, finalized on February 25, involved Talabat acquiring 100 percent of Instashop’s shares from Delivery Hero for $32 million, funded entirely through Talabat’s internal cash reserves.

As part of the acquisition, Instashop will become a fully-owned subsidiary of Talabat, enhancing the company’s network of grocery and retail partners across the MENA region.

Instashop’s services, which include the delivery of groceries, pharmacy items, beauty products, and other essentials, will now be integrated into Talabat’s broader service offerings.

Tomaso Rodriguez, CEO of Talabat, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Instashop into the Talabat family. This acquisition supports and complements our strategy to grow our Grocery and Retail offering and enhances the customer experience by providing greater choice and convenience. By integrating Instashop’s innovative platform, we aim to create a seamless and efficient delivery experience for our customers across the UAE and Egypt while also driving further synergies in our product and technology across the business.”

Despite becoming a subsidiary of Talabat, Instashop will continue to operate under its own brand within Talabat’s Grocery and Retail vertical. This will allow both companies to collaborate and share insights to improve the customer experience and optimize business operations.

In 2024, Instashop saw impressive growth, achieving $631 million in GMV, a 16% increase from the previous year. This consistent growth underlines the strength of Instashop’s market position, contributing to 8 percent of Talabat’s GMV in 2024.

Nikola Cabarkapa, CEO of Instashop, also commented on the acquisition, saying, “Joining Talabat marks an exciting new chapter for Instashop. We have always been focused on connecting our users with their favorite local stores, and with Talabat’s support, we can now amplify our impact. This partnership will enable us to leverage Talabat’s extensive network and operational expertise, enhancing our service delivery and continuing our mission of providing exceptional convenience to our customers.”