Just Eat Takeaway.com has been a major player in the food delivery industry for years, offering customers convenient ways to order meals from their favorite restaurants. In February 2025, significant news broke about the company’s ownership when South African-owned Prosus announced it would buy Just Eat Takeaway.com for €4.1 billion. This acquisition marks a new chapter for the food delivery giant, as Prosus already partly owns a rival German food delivery service.
The Just Eat Takeaway.com board unanimously approved this takeover just two months after the company left the London market. This deal, valued at approximately $4.29 billion, involves Prosus acquiring the entire issued share capital for €20.30 per share through an all-cash public offer. The move aims to create what many are calling a “European food delivery champion.”
Key Takeaways
- Just Eat Takeaway.com is being acquired by technology investment company Prosus for €4.1 billion in 2025.
- The all-cash deal was unanimously approved by Just Eat Takeaway.com’s board after the company’s exit from the London market.
- This acquisition aims to consolidate the European food delivery market by joining Prosus’s existing investments with Just Eat Takeaway.com’s established operations.
Corporate Overview
Just Eat Takeaway.com has grown from a small startup to a major international food delivery service. The company’s journey reflects both strategic business moves and the founding vision of its CEO.
Founding and Evolution
Just Eat began its journey in 2001 in Denmark as a food delivery company. Meanwhile, Takeaway.com was founded in 2000 in the Netherlands by Jitse Groen. The two companies operated separately for many years, building their presence across different European markets.
In 2020, these two food delivery giants merged to form Just Eat Takeaway.com, creating one of the largest food delivery platforms in the world. The company is headquartered in Amsterdam, connecting thousands of restaurants with hungry customers.
In a significant development, it was announced in February 2025 that Just Eat Takeaway.com would be bought by Prosus for €4.1 billion. Prosus also partly owns a rival German food delivery service.
Jitse Groen’s Vision
Jitse Groen, the founder and CEO of Just Eat Takeaway.com, started the company with a simple but powerful vision. He wanted to connect consumers to local partners, making food ordering more convenient for both sides.
Groen recognized early on that the food delivery market had immense potential. His business model focused on creating an online marketplace that bridges the gap between restaurants and hungry customers.
The company now operates primarily as an order-only platform across Europe and North America. Under Groen’s leadership, Just Eat Takeaway.com has consistently adapted to changing market demands and technological advances.
His entrepreneurial journey shows how a small Dutch startup can transform into a global food delivery powerhouse with millions of customers and restaurant partners.
Ownership Structure
Just Eat Takeaway.com has a diverse ownership structure with both institutional investors and individual stakeholders holding significant portions of the company’s shares. Recent developments show major changes ahead for the food delivery giant.
Major Shareholders
The company’s ownership includes several key players. The Baupost Group LLC holds 8.09% of Just Eat Takeaway.com, representing about 16.9 million shares.
Founder Jitse Groen owns 7.336% with approximately 15.3 million shares, maintaining a significant stake in the company he created.
Another major shareholder is Caledonia (Private) Investments Pty Ltd, though their exact percentage isn’t specified in the search results.
The most significant development is that Prosus announced in February 2025 plans to acquire Just Eat Takeaway.com for €4.1 billion. This South African-owned company already has interests in the food delivery sector.
Share Capital and Trading
Just Eat Takeaway.com shares have been actively traded on stock exchanges. Prosus has offered €20.30 per share in an all-cash public offer for the entire issued share capital of the company.
This acquisition offer represents a significant move in the food delivery market. The company’s shares are primarily traded on public markets with a mix of institutional and retail investors.
Before the acquisition announcement, Just Eat Takeaway.com had been listed and traded on exchanges including the London Stock Exchange. The ownership structure shows that beyond major shareholders, the remaining shares are distributed among various institutional and individual investors.
The total value of Jitse Groen’s shares amounts to approximately 187 million euros, while The Baupost Group’s stake is valued at about 206 million euros.
Market Presence
Just Eat Takeaway.com has built a strong position in food delivery across multiple continents. The company serves millions of customers through its platforms and partner restaurants in key markets.
European Expansion
Just Eat Takeaway.com’s roots are firmly planted in Europe, where it has achieved significant market penetration. The company has a dominant presence in the United Kingdom, one of its most important markets where the Just Eat brand is widely recognized.
In the Netherlands, the company maintains its headquarters and has strong brand recognition with the Takeaway.com service. This home market provided the foundation for the company’s growth.
Just Eat Takeaway.com also operates extensively in Germany, where it runs the popular Lieferando brand. The German market has been a key focus area for the company’s European strategy.
The company has worked to unify its various European brands under consistent platforms following multiple mergers and acquisitions. This approach has helped streamline operations across different European markets.
Global Footprint
Beyond Europe, Just Eat Takeaway.com has established operations in several international markets. The company made a significant move into the United States market with its acquisition of Grubhub.
Just Eat Takeaway.com previously held a 33% stake in Brazilian food delivery platform iFood, but sold this stake in 2022 for €1.7 billion. This move allowed the company to focus on core markets.
Recent developments in 2025 may reshape the company’s global presence, as South African-owned Prosus is set to acquire Just Eat Takeaway.com for €4.1 billion. This acquisition could integrate Just Eat with Prosus’s existing food delivery investments.
Prosus already has ownership stakes in rival German food delivery services, creating potential for significant market consolidation.
Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions
Just Eat has expanded its global presence through a series of strategic moves in the food delivery market, acquiring competitors and forming partnerships to strengthen its position. These business decisions have significantly shaped the company’s growth trajectory and market reach.
Recent Takeovers
The food delivery landscape has seen major changes recently. In a significant development, Prosus is set to acquire Just Eat Takeaway.com in a move that will take the company into private ownership. This €4.1 billion all-cash deal comes at a challenging time for Just Eat Takeaway, which has been facing financial difficulties.
Before this acquisition, Just Eat Takeaway had its own expansion strategy. The company completed the sale of Grubhub to Wonder Group, marking a significant shift in its American operations.
In previous years, Just Eat made strategic moves in various markets. The company sold its investments in an Indian joint venture to FoodPanda in 2015 while expanding into Mexico with a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Partnership with Restaurants
Just Eat’s business model relies heavily on strong relationships with restaurants of all sizes. The company has created a network of partnerships that benefits both the platform and food providers.
These partnerships typically offer restaurants increased visibility and a ready-made delivery infrastructure. For smaller establishments without delivery capabilities, Just Eat provides access to a wider customer base they couldn’t reach independently.
The platform works with thousands of restaurants across multiple countries, ranging from local independent eateries to major chains. Many of these partnerships include exclusive deals and promotions that drive customer engagement.
Just Eat has also developed technology solutions for its restaurant partners, including point-of-sale integration and customer data insights. These tools help restaurants optimize their operations and better understand their customer base.
Financial Performance
Just Eat has experienced significant financial shifts in recent years, moving from pandemic-driven growth to post-pandemic challenges with profitability. Their balance sheet reflects both impressive revenue gains and substantial losses.
Profitability Analysis
Just Eat Takeaway.com reported meeting its financial guidance in 2024, achieving a 2% growth in Gross Transaction Value. However, the company still faces profitability challenges.
Their net loss amounted to €1,645 million in 2024, which was an improvement from the €1,846 million loss in 2023. This loss was mainly driven by non-cash impairment charges.
Despite these losses, Just Eat Takeaway’s revenue performance has been impressive. The company generated €3.1 billion in revenue in 2023, with the UK and Ireland segment contributing the largest portion.
The recent announcement that Prosus intends to acquire Just Eat Takeaway.com for €4.1 billion suggests that investors still see long-term value in the business.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic created a boom period for food delivery services like Just Eat. With restaurants closed for dine-in service, many customers turned to delivery platforms.
This pandemic-driven growth significantly boosted Just Eat’s order volumes and revenue between 2020 and 2021. The company expanded its market presence during this time, capitalizing on the increased demand.
However, as pandemic restrictions eased, Just Eat faced the challenge of maintaining this momentum. Post-pandemic normalization led to slower growth rates as consumers returned to dining out.
The company has been working to adjust its business model to the post-pandemic reality while maintaining the customer base it gained during lockdowns. This transition period has contributed to their ongoing financial challenges.
Technological Innovation
Just Eat’s tech innovations have transformed food delivery with smart systems that make ordering faster and more reliable. The company uses advanced technology to connect customers with restaurants efficiently.
AI and Logistics
Just Eat has embraced artificial intelligence to revolutionize its delivery operations. Their AI algorithms predict delivery times with surprising accuracy, reducing wait times for hungry customers.
The company’s smart routing system helps drivers find the fastest paths through busy city streets. This technology cuts delivery times and keeps food warmer upon arrival.
Just Eat’s logistics platform uses real-time data to match orders with the closest available drivers. Weather conditions, traffic patterns, and restaurant preparation times all factor into their AI decision-making.
These innovations have caught the attention of tech investors like Prosus, who see value in Just Eat’s technological capabilities. The logistics system handles millions of orders daily without breaking a sweat.
Platform Development
Just Eat’s app and website have evolved dramatically through continuous innovation. The platform now offers personalized recommendations based on previous orders and preferences.
The company has invested heavily in creating a seamless ordering experience. Features like real-time order tracking, saved payment methods, and one-click reordering make the process incredibly simple.
Just Eat’s platform connects with restaurant systems directly, reducing errors and speeding up order confirmation. This integration helps restaurant partners manage their delivery business more efficiently.
The platform also includes rating systems and feedback loops that help maintain quality. These tools give customers confidence and help restaurants improve their service.
Security features protect customer data while making transactions smooth and worry-free. This focus on platform development has helped Just Eat become a European tech champion in the food delivery space.
Future Projections
With the recent acquisition by Prosus for $4.3 billion, Just Eat Takeaway is poised for significant transformation. The company now faces exciting opportunities for market expansion and strategic growth under its new ownership.
Strategic Plans for Growth
The Prosus acquisition opens new doors for Just Eat Takeaway’s expansion. The company is expected to focus on strengthening its position in existing European markets while exploring new territories.
Analysts predict that Just Eat will invest heavily in technology improvements, especially in their app and delivery systems. This could mean faster delivery times and a more user-friendly experience for customers.
The company might also explore partnerships with grocery chains, following the trend of quick commerce delivery. This would diversify their offerings beyond restaurant food.
Cost-cutting measures are likely, as the company reported a €1.6 billion net loss before the acquisition. Prosus may streamline operations while maintaining service quality.
Aspiring to Be a European Tech Champion
Prosus has explicitly stated their goal to create a “European tech champion” through this acquisition. This ambitious vision sets a high bar for Just Eat’s future.
The company will likely challenge dominant U.S. and Asian food delivery platforms, leveraging Prosus’s tech investment expertise. This competition could benefit European consumers through improved services and possibly lower fees.
Just Eat may integrate more with Prosus’s other tech investments, creating a broader ecosystem of services. This could include entertainment offerings, financial services, or other lifestyle products alongside food delivery.
The European food delivery market is expected to grow by 8% annually through 2028, and Just Eat is now positioned to capture a significant portion of this growth under Prosus’s guidance.
Corporate Governance
Just Eat Takeaway.com operates with a structured governance framework that includes both management and supervisory boards. The company follows strict regulatory standards in the countries where it operates, particularly in the Netherlands.
Management and Supervisory Board
The company follows a two-tier board structure common in Dutch companies. Jitse Groen serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Management Board, overseeing corporate strategy, planning, and development.
The Management Board handles day-to-day operations and implements strategic decisions. They work closely with the executive team to ensure the company meets its financial and operational goals.
The Supervisory Board provides oversight and guidance to the Management Board. They monitor company performance, approve major decisions, and represent shareholder interests.
Board members bring diverse expertise in finance, technology, and food delivery. This diversity helps the company navigate complex market challenges while maintaining proper corporate controls.
Regular board meetings allow for ongoing evaluation of company performance and strategic direction.
Regulatory Compliance
Just Eat Takeaway.com follows strict regulatory guidelines across all markets. The company complies with principles and best practices established in the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.
Where practical, the company also follows UK governance standards. This dual approach reflects its international presence and commitment to strong governance.
The corporate website provides transparent access to governance documents and policies. These include details about board composition, committees, and decision-making processes.
The company maintains regular communication with regulatory bodies in the Netherlands and other operating countries. This ensures they stay current with changing regulations and requirements.
Recent developments include a potential acquisition by Prosus, which would change the ownership structure while maintaining governance standards.
Challenges and Risks
Just Eat Takeaway faces several major hurdles in today’s competitive food delivery market. The company must navigate financial pressures while battling against aggressive rivals for market share.
Financial Risks
Just Eat Takeaway encountered significant financial challenges following its acquisition of Grubhub. The company faced potential write-downs on this investment, as the US market proved more difficult than expected.
Management changes following the acquisition risked disrupting operations and hurting the company. The all-cash offer for Grubhub also strained Just Eat’s finances at a critical time.
The company now operates in 24 countries, creating complex financial management needs across different regulatory environments and currencies. This expansion increases exposure to climate-related risks that shareholders worry about.
Competitive Landscape
Just Eat Takeaway operates in a fiercely competitive market with well-funded rivals. Uber’s food delivery service represents a major threat. This is because it has an existing driver network and technology platform.
Asian giants like Swiggy in India and Meituan in China dominate their regional markets. This limits Just Eat’s global expansion options. These competitors often operate with lower margins and greater resources.
The company also faces challenges maintaining restaurant relationships. This is because partners may switch to platforms with better terms. Restaurants increasingly develop their own delivery capabilities to avoid third-party fees.
Worker concerns present another challenge. Food delivery drivers are facing serious issues like wage theft and unsafe road conditions. These labor concerns could lead to regulatory changes affecting the business model.