PCC starts reviewing Grab’s acquisition of Uber

April 3, 2018

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) begun a review Tuesday of the acquisition by Grab Holdings, Inc. and MyTaxi.PH, Inc of the assets of Uber B.V. and Uber Systems, Inc.

After meeting with the parties on Monday, the antitrust commission has not yet received any notification of the transaction from the parties.

The parties also made representations the transaction is not covered by compulsory notification requirements under Section 17 of the Philippine Competition Act.

In  its resolution,  the PCC said its preliminary assessment of the Grab-Uber transaction by the Mergers and Acquisitions Office (MAO) showed there are reasonable grounds the acquisition may likely  substantially lessen, prevent, or restrict competition.

PCC also acknowledged the riding public and partner drivers may be adversely affected by the transaction. The commission also found the transaction will result in a substantial increase in concentration of an already highly concentrated market in an industry that provides a basic public service. DMS