Business

Just Eat faces competition probe into Hungryhouse takeover

The competition authorities are set to probe online takeaway ordering firm Just Eat's takeover of rival Hungryhouse
The competition authorities are set to probe online takeaway ordering firm Just Eat's takeover of rival Hungryhouse The competition authorities are set to probe online takeaway ordering firm Just Eat's takeover of rival Hungryhouse

ONLINE takeaway ordering firm Just Eat is to face a full-blown investigation into its takeover of rival Hungryhouse amid concerns the deal could curb competition.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its initial probe into the acquisition - worth up to £240 million - found the two firms were close competitors because of the service they offer and their reach across the UK.

On Friday the watchdog said that the merger could lead to worse terms for restaurants using either company, adding that the deal will now undergo an in-depth merger investigation after Just Eat failed to address its concerns.

The group announced its takeover of Hungryhouse last December.

The CMA said: "Both companies provide online takeaway ordering services. These give restaurants the opportunity to reach a wide pool of people, as well as offer customers the convenience of choosing from a large range of takeaway providers in one place.

"Following its initial investigation into the merger, the CMA has found that the companies are close competitors because of the similarity of their service and their broad geographical coverage."

Both firms offer online takeaway ordering services, which allow restaurants to offer customers the convenience of choosing from a large range of takeaway providers in one place.

Just Eat agreed to pay £200 million to Delivery Hero for Hungryhouse and will shell out another £40 million, depending on performance.

The deal came as part of an acquisition spree by Just Eat as it looks to expand, with the group also announcing the acquisition of Canadian firm SkipTheDishes alongside the Hungryhouse takeover.

Andrew White, CEO of mobile and online pre-ordering technology company, Preoday said: "The CMA is right to be worried about a Just Eat and Hungryhouse merger. Such a monopoly would mean the company has the freedom to charge ever higher commission rates. So many restaurants feel Just Eat is the only way they can be successful and profitable when taking online and mobile orders that they will feel pressured to pay whatever fee Just Eat forces upon them."