Overview
- Sources say DoorDash and Instacart began exclusive, advanced talks on Monday that could lead to a transaction valued near $17 billion though the discussions are not guaranteed to close.
- Multiple reports say a deal could be announced within days if it holds, and that earlier interest from Uber has cooled.
- Markets moved after the reports, with Instacart shares rising about 8% and DoorDash shares falling roughly 6% in trading following the news.
- Instacart has publicly said it will wind down its Caper Cart unit and that the decision predated sale reports, signaling a tighter focus on software, data and AI for retailers.
- Deal watchers warn the combination would create a larger home-delivery platform but could draw political and antitrust scrutiny that may shape whether and how the transaction can be completed.