Uber’s food deliveries have been vital to its bottom line during the pandemic, and it’s making an acquisition that reflects this change in priorities. CNBC notes that Uber has bought Drizly, billed as the largest alcohol delivery service in the US, for $1.1 billion in cash and stock. You’ll still have access to a separate Drizly app, but the booze-on-demand feature will eventually integrate with the Uber Eats app.
The deal should close sometime in the first half of 2021.
It’s a mutually beneficial deal, according to Uber. Drizly will continue to expand independently, but this gives it access to one of the world’s largest delivery platforms, including its customers and technology. You may get perks from Uber’s reward and subscription programs, too.
Uber stands to gain the most, though. Drizly helps fill a gap in Uber Eats’ delivery options and could keep customers involved where they might switch to rival services. With the pandemic unlikely to subside for a while, this could help keep the company afloat until it’s safe for people to visit bars and use Uber’s ridesharing service instead.
