Uber, the ride-hailing giant, has announced plans to acquire Berlin-based startup Blacklane, a provider of on-demand, black-car chauffeur services. This acquisition is part of Uber’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the luxury and executive travel market.
Founded in 2011, Blacklane has secured over $100 million in funding from notable investors such as Sixt, Mercedes-Benz, and ALFAHIM, a conglomerate in the UAE. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, though the financial terms have not been disclosed.
This purchase follows Uber’s recent introduction of Uber Elite, a premium service offering a blend of chauffeur services and luxury amenities, including in-vehicle features, airport assistance, and round-the-clock customer support. Initially launched in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Uber Elite is poised to expand to New York City. Blacklane’s operations span major cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and North America, aligning with Uber’s global ambitions.
Source: TechCrunch