Just Eat Takeaway

Just Eat Takeaway. It is a leading global online food ordering and delivery marketplace, formed by the merger of Just Eat and Takeaway.com. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the company operates a hybrid model connecting consumers with restaurants, while also providing delivery services in many markets. Its portfolio includes major brands such as Grubhub in the United States, SkipTheDishes in Canada, and its original platforms across Europe.

History

The company originated in 2000 when founder Jitse Groen launched Thuisbezorgd.nl in the Netherlands. The Just Eat brand was founded independently in 2001 in Denmark by a group of five entrepreneurs. Both companies expanded rapidly across Europe during the 2000s, with Just Eat listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2014. The pivotal merger between Just Eat and Takeaway.com was announced in 2019 and completed in 2020, creating Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V. A major subsequent acquisition was the purchase of the United States-based Grubhub in 2021 for $7.3 billion, significantly expanding its North American footprint. The company later faced strategic challenges, leading to the exploration of a partial or full sale of Grubhub.

Business model and operations

The company primarily operates a marketplace model, earning commission fees by facilitating orders between customers and partner restaurants, many of which handle their own delivery. In key urban markets, it employs a logistics model, utilizing a network of employed and gig-economy couriers to provide delivery services for restaurants. Its technology platform, accessible via websites and mobile apps, manages order processing, payment via services like iDEAL and PayPal, and real-time tracking. Major operational hubs are supported by data centers and customer service teams across regions like the United Kingdom and Poland.

Financial performance

Revenue grew substantially following the merger and the acquisition of Grubhub, reaching over €5.4 billion in 2022. However, the company has reported significant net losses in recent years, driven by high operational costs, intense marketing spend, and competitive investments. Its shares, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange, have experienced considerable volatility. Key financial metrics are closely watched by investors and analysts from firms like J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley, especially regarding the company's path to profitability and the performance of its North American segment.

Acquisitions and mergers

The company's growth has been heavily driven by consolidation within the online food delivery industry. Before the landmark merger, Takeaway.com acquired competitors like Delivery Hero's operations in Germany and 10bis in Israel. The 2020 merger with Just Eat was one of the largest in the sector's history. Its most notable acquisition was Grubhub in 2021, outbidding rivals like Uber and DoorDash. Other significant purchases include SkipTheDishes in Canada, Menulog in Australia, and Bistro.sk in Slovakia. The company has also divested assets, such as its stake in the Brazilian operator iFood to Prosus.

Market presence and competition

The company holds a strong position in many European markets, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany, through its core Just Eat and Takeaway.com brands. In North America, it operates via Grubhub and SkipTheDishes, facing fierce competition from Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Delivery Hero. Its global footprint also extends to Australia and New Zealand through Menulog. The competitive landscape is characterized by aggressive discounting, loyalty programs, and technological innovation, with major players like Amazon and Delivery Hero continually vying for market share. Regulatory scrutiny from bodies like the Competition and Markets Authority also shapes its operational strategies.

Category:Online food ordering services Category:Companies listed on Euronext Amsterdam Category:Companies based in Amsterdam Category:Internet properties established in 2000