TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Fair Trade Commission said Monday it will extend its review of a proposed Uber Eats-Foodpanda merger, with results expected by March at the latest.
The commission said in a release that it decided to extend the review because of the case’s importance to society. It was originally set to announce the review result on Dec. 19 but has extended the deadline by 60 days to March 21; however, if a decision is reached earlier, it will announce the results sooner.
Uber Technologies Inc. announced in May that it had reached a deal with Foodpanda's parent company, Delivery Hero, to acquire the business for US$950 million (NT$30.8 billion) in cash. Uber submitted a merger application to the Fair Trade Commission on Nov. 8.

Fair Trade Commission Deputy Chairperson Chen Chih-min (陳志民) said Uber Eats and Foodpanda combined would have a considerable market share that could increase restrictions on market competition, per CNA. He said the commission needed to further analyze the merger’s possible impacts on market dynamics and the overall economy.
Chen added that the commission has consulted the Cabinet’s consumer protection department and the economic, labor, transport, and digital ministries. The opinions of delivery worker unions and restaurant operators will also be taken into consideration, according to the ministry.
The National Delivery Industrial Union reiterated its opposition to the merger during a protest outside the commission’s office last week. The union said the merger would give Uber Eats an unprecedented share of the food delivery market, affecting the rights of drivers, restaurants, and consumers.