Uber is acquiring Berlin-based startup Blacklane, a provider of on-demand black car chauffeur services. This move marks a significant expansion for the ride-hail giant as it delves deeper into luxury and executive travel.
The acquisition represents a notable exit for Blacklane, which was founded in 2011. To date, the company has raised over one hundred million dollars from investors including rental car company Sixt, Mercedes-Benz, and ALFAHIM, a conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates.
Uber stated the acquisition still requires regulatory approvals but is expected to be finalized by the end of this year. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the two companies.
This move follows closely after Uber’s recent launch of Uber Elite, a service that combines chauffeur driving with luxury offerings like premium in-vehicle amenities, airport meet-and-greet services, and twenty-four seven phone support. Uber Elite is beginning in a limited capacity, currently available only in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with plans to expand to New York City. In contrast, Blacklane operates across major cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and North America.