8-KOther Events

Uber Technologies, Inc 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jan 6, 2020)

Filed January 6, 2020For Securities:UBER

Summary

Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) has filed an 8-K report detailing two significant events: the completion of its acquisition of Careem's mobility, delivery, and payments businesses across the greater Middle East region, and the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to close its inquiry and not pursue Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) charges. The acquisition of Careem, initially announced in March 2019, has closed in key markets including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, representing substantially all required regulatory approvals. Uber will continue to seek approvals in Pakistan, Qatar, and Morocco, operating Careem independently under its own brand in the interim. The total purchase price is up to approximately $3.1 billion, comprising convertible notes and cash, with a portion held back pending finalization. Separately, the news that the DOJ's Fraud Section will not pursue FCPA charges against Uber is a significant de-risking event. This concludes an investigation into potential violations in several countries and removes a substantial overhang of legal and financial uncertainty for the company.

Key Highlights

  • 1Uber has officially completed the acquisition of Careem's mobility, delivery, and payments businesses in the greater Middle East region, effective January 2, 2020.
  • 2Regulatory approvals for the Careem acquisition have been secured in major markets including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with approvals pending in Pakistan, Qatar, and Morocco.
  • 3Careem and Uber will continue to operate their respective regional services and independent brands following the acquisition.
  • 4The total purchase price for Careem is up to approximately $3.1 billion, consisting of convertible notes and cash, with a 25% holdback.
  • 5The U.S. Department of Justice's Fraud Section has closed its investigation into potential FCPA violations by Uber and will not pursue enforcement action.
  • 6The DOJ's decision to not pursue FCPA charges removes a significant legal and financial uncertainty for Uber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Uber has acquired Careem's mobility, delivery, and payments businesses in the greater Middle East. While the acquisition is complete in key markets, both companies will operate independently under their respective brands, allowing for continued regional service delivery while integration plans are likely developed.

The maximum aggregate purchase price is approximately $3.1 billion. This includes up to approximately $1.7 billion in non-interest-bearing unsecured convertible notes and approximately $1.4 billion in cash. A 25% holdback of the aggregate purchase price is in place, and 75% was paid at closing.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Fraud Section has closed its inquiry into potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations and will not be pursuing enforcement action. This is a positive development as it resolves a significant area of legal and financial uncertainty for Uber.

Yes, Uber is still seeking regulatory approval in Pakistan, Qatar, and Morocco. The acquisition of Careem's businesses in these specific countries is delayed until these approvals are obtained. However, the acquisition is considered complete in the major markets where approval was required.