Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi- based startup Ninja is reportedly considering the acquisition of Delivery Hero’s Saudi food delivery platform HungerStation, as the company explores expansion opportunities that could reshape the region’s delivery market and complicate ongoing takeover interest in the German group.
According to a report from the Financial Times, Ninja is evaluating a bid for HungerStation and could also explore partnerships to acquire other regional assets owned by Delivery Hero, including parts of Dubai-based Talabat. However, the Saudi unit is said to be the company's primary focus due to its strategic fit and the relative ease of integrating it into Ninja’s existing operations.
Sources familiar with the matter said discussions remain at an early stage and no final decision has been made. Ninja could reportedly submit a proposal to Delivery Hero’s board in the near future, although the company may still decide against pursuing a transaction.
The potential deal comes amid growing competition in the Middle East’s food delivery and quick-commerce markets, which have become increasingly attractive to global operators seeking new growth opportunities. Any sale of Delivery Hero’s regional assets could also affect broader consolidation efforts in the sector, including reported interest from Uber in acquiring the German delivery company.
Founded in 2022, Ninja reached unicorn status within three years after surpassing a valuation of $1 billion. Unlike traditional food delivery platforms, the company operates a network of dark stores focused primarily on grocery and household product deliveries.
