DoorDash agrees to buy Instacart in a $17 billion delivery deal

Instacart's search for a buyer became public last week. On October 24, TechCrunch reported that the grocery delivery company had discussed selling itself to DoorDash and Uber.

Uber did not stay in the running. The Next Web reported on October 26 that Instacart had held at least preliminary discussions with both companies, but Uber had already walked away.

By October 26, the reports had shifted from an exploratory sale process to advanced negotiations. MarketWatch reported that DoorDash was in advanced talks over a transaction valuing Instacart at roughly $17 billion. Analysts cited in its coverage framed a possible deal as a way to keep up with Walmart and Amazon.

On October 27, Bloomberg reported that DoorDash was nearing a takeover of Instacart parent Maplebear at roughly that valuation, citing people familiar with the matter.

The sale speculation also coincided with a sharp rise in Instacart's shares. Forbes reported on October 27 that the stock had gained 40% over the preceding month, lifting founder and former CEO Apoorva Mehta's stake back above $1 billion.

On October 28, CNBC International reported that an announcement could come as early as Thursday morning. Its sources put the possible deal value at about $17 billion and said the purchase would give DoorDash a larger online grocery business.

That announcement followed on October 29. NBC News reported that DoorDash announced it was buying Instacart for $17 billion.

This is now an announced acquisition agreement, rather than simply a report of talks. Bloomberg Technology reported on October 29 that DoorDash had agreed to buy Instacart in a transaction valuing the company at about $17 billion.

The purchase has not yet closed. According to Business Insider, completion is expected at the end of 2027 or in the first half of 2028. The agreement would expand DoorDash's grocery operations and further consolidate the competitive US food delivery market, as Financial Times reported.

The next major milestone is completion, not another announcement of sale talks. The closing window reported by Business Insider stretches into late 2027 or early 2028, leaving a substantial period between Thursday's agreement and the expected completion of the purchase.