American Express announced a proposed acquisition of TheFork, a leading online restaurant reservation and management platform in Europe, from Tripadvisor for $700 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to labor consultation and customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. This strategic move aims to expand American Express' dining network to approximately 75,000 bookable venues, strengthening its international business and dining offerings in the region.

TheFork connects millions of diners with more than 50,000 restaurants across 11 European countries through its management, booking, and customer engagement platform. The proposed acquisition builds on American Express' broader dining strategy, following its successful acquisitions of digital dining platforms Resy and Tock. By integrating TheFork, American Express intends to enhance its ability to provide Card Members with access to sought-after restaurants while supporting the growth of its international operations.

Strategic Rationale

Dining is a critical engagement channel for the American Express brand. Rafa Marquez, President of International Card Services at American Express, stated that the acquisition would enrich the company's differentiated Membership Model. He noted that TheFork's strong relationships throughout the European restaurant industry would complement American Express' existing capabilities, allowing Card Members more ways to discover and book great restaurants while helping partners reach more diners.

Almir Ambeskovic, Chief Executive Officer of TheFork, highlighted the alignment of values between the two companies. He emphasized that American Express shares TheFork's commitment to innovation, service, and hospitality. Ambeskovic expressed confidence that the partnership would accelerate TheFork's mission, bringing greater value to restaurants and creating seamless experiences for diners across Europe.

Transaction Details

The following table outlines the key details of the proposed transaction:

Following the closing of the transaction, TheFork will continue to operate under its existing leadership team. The platform will benefit from the global reach and backing of American Express, which was founded in 1850 and is headquartered in New York. TheFork, founded in 2007, provides restaurants with reservation management, guest engagement, and operational tools to optimize their businesses.

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Price Action

The following table details the recent stock performance for the highlighted companies: