talabat, the leading on-demand online ordering and delivery platform in the MENA region, has successfully acquired InstaShop, one of the region’s leading online grocery delivery marketplaces
The acquisition, completed on 25 February 2025, includes 100% of instashop’s share capital from Delivery Hero SE and will be fully consolidated into talabat’s financial accounts. This strategic move strengthens talabat’s Grocery and Retail offering while expanding its partner network across the MENA region. With the acquisition, talabat’s pro forma Grocery and Retail GMV for 2024 surpasses USD 2.5 billion, reinforcing its leadership in the sector.
The acquisition was fully funded through talabat’s internal cash reserves, with a total transaction value of USD 32 million. Instashop will continue operating as an independent brand within talabat’s Grocery and Retail vertical, ensuring continuity for its customers and partners while benefiting from operational and technological synergies. Integration efforts are already underway to enhance efficiency, optimise fleet operations, and improve product and technology integration.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Dubai, instashop is a premier online marketplace connecting users with vendors, streamlining purchases, and meeting fast delivery expectations. Operating primarily in the UAE and Egypt, the platform offers groceries, pharmacy items, beauty essentials, and other personal care products. In 2024, instashop reported a GMV of USD 631 million, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year and accounting for 8% of talabat’s total GMV. Its positive and improving EBITDA margins highlight its market strength and growth potential.
Tomaso Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of talabat, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome instashop into the talabat family. The acquisition supports and complements our strategy to grow our Grocery and Retail offering and is a testament to our commitment to enhancing customer experience and providing customers with even greater choice and convenience. By integrating instashop’s innovative platform into our operations, we aim to create a more seamless and efficient delivery experience for our customers across the UAE and Egypt whilst also driving further product and technology synergies across our business. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation, setting a new standard in the online grocery and retail sector.”
Nikola Cabarkapa, Chief Executive Officer of instashop, commented: “Joining forces with talabat marks an exciting new chapter for instashop. We have always been dedicated to connecting our users with their favorite local stores, and now, with talabat’s support, we can amplify our impact even further. This partnership will enable us to leverage talabat’s extensive network and operational expertise, allowing us to enhance our service delivery and continue our mission of providing exceptional convenience to our customers. We are excited about the significant customer and partner benefits this collaboration will bring and look forward to a successful journey ahead.”
This acquisition supports talabat’s strategy for expansion in Grocery and Retail by unlocking cross-listing opportunities, enhancing partner reach, and improving customer experience. By leveraging its innovative technology, multi-vertical expertise, and strong local partnerships, talabat continues to shape the future of online shopping in the MENA region.