In a significant regulatory decision, Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has blocked Uber Technologies Inc.'s proposed $950 million acquisition of Delivery Hero's Foodpanda business in Taiwan. The decision, announced on December 25, 2024, underscores the FTC's concerns about the potential for reduced competition in Taiwan's food delivery market. The proposed merger would have resulted in Uber Eats and Foodpanda controlling over 90% of the market, effectively creating a monopoly. This dominance, the FTC argued, would likely lead to increased prices for consumers and restaurant partners, as the combined entity would face little competitive pressure. Uber, which announced the deal in May 2024, expressed disappointment with the FTC's decision but reiterated its commitment to the Taiwanese market. The company had hoped the acquisition would contribute significantly to its delivery business's adjusted core profit within a year of closing. Delivery Hero, the Berlin-based owner of Foodpanda, indicated that Uber could appeal the decision or terminate the acquisition. The FTC's ruling reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny on mergers and acquisitions in the tech and delivery sectors globally, as regulators aim to prevent market monopolization and ensure competitive equilibrium. The decision has been praised by Taiwan's National Delivery Industrial Union, which views it as a safeguard against monopolistic control in the food delivery industry. Despite the setback, Uber remains committed to investing in Taiwan, one of the world's fastest-growing markets for food delivery. The blocked acquisition highlights the challenges tech giants face in expanding their market presence through mergers and acquisitions, particularly in regions with stringent antitrust regulations.