Uber is buying Blacklane.

Uber is buying Blacklane.

      Uber has announced its intention to acquire Blacklane, a global chauffeur service founded in Berlin, in a move that enhances its reach in the premium and executive travel markets. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, and it is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Blacklane was valued at $547 million during its latest funding round in October 2024, as reported by PitchBook.

      Established in 2011 by Dr. Jens Wohltorf, Blacklane operates in over 500 cities across more than 60 countries, providing business and leisure travellers access to local independent chauffeur services through its app and web platform. Its investors include notable names in the corporate travel sector such as German rental car firm Sixt, Mercedes-Benz, and UAE conglomerate ALFAHIM. Blacklane has garnered over $100 million in funding and has positioned itself as a leading chauffeur provider for many of the world’s major corporations.

      This acquisition follows closely on the heels of Uber's launch of its own high-end chauffeur service, Uber Elite, which was introduced a few weeks earlier. This service includes various amenities, airport meet-and-greet options, and 24/7 support, and is currently available in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with plans for expansion to New York City.

      By acquiring Blacklane, Uber gains significant scale in a segment where Uber Elite is still in development. The pre-booked Uber Reserve feature has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing areas of Uber’s mobility business, with executive travel being a strategic focus for the company.

      Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated the goal is to provide "the widest selection of options to meet our riders where they are: from the everyday commute to luxury rides." Wohltorf characterized the acquisition as a major opportunity to introduce Blacklane's services to new global markets. For Blacklane, joining Uber represents a significant exit and a chance to leverage Uber’s platform, which has 202 million monthly active users, potentially transforming the scale of its service.

      This transaction marks Uber's third acquisition announced in 2026, following its purchase of quick-commerce platform Getir for $335 million and its agreement to acquire parking service SpotHero. This pattern illustrates Uber's strategy of utilizing acquisitions to expand into adjacent markets rather than competing organically. The Blacklane acquisition aligns with this approach, targeting the premium mobility sector where profit margins are higher, customer loyalty is stronger, and the competitive landscape is more challenging to enter quickly.

Uber is buying Blacklane.

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Uber is buying Blacklane.

Uber is acquiring Blacklane, the luxury chauffeur service based in Berlin and supported by Sixt and Mercedes-Benz, in a transaction that enhances the global presence of Uber Elite.