United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Singapore regulator threatens to ‘unwind’ Grab-Uber merger
The Grab-Uber Southeast Asia merger has hit a road block with Singapore’s competition commission demanding changes to ensure the market remains competitive.
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) says it has created a virtual monopoly in the ride-hailing market with price rises almost as soon as the merger was completed.
The business was criticised for completing the merger while a CCCS investigation was being conducted.
The CCCS called for Grab to reverse the price rises and end its exclusivity contracts with drivers to allow other competitors to enter the market.
"CCCS proposes to impose financial penalties upon Grab and Uber respectively, as CCCS has found that they have carried the transaction into effect despite having anticipated potential competition concerns, and caused substantial lessening of competition in the ride-hailing platform services market in Singapore," it said.
The regulator warned it may ‘unwind’ the merger unless measures are taken.
The CCCS wants Uber’s car rental business Lion City Rental to be sold off to a Grab competitor to ensure there is market competition and not allow Grab to have a monopoly on vehicle rental fleets.
Grab said the commission is taking a ‘very narrow approach in defining competition.’
Competition regulators in Malaysia and the Philippines are also looking at post-merger competition in their markets.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
BA pilot dies during layover
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls