TAIPEI (TVBS News)—The Fair Trade Commission (FTC, 公平會) announced on Wednesday (Oct. 16) that Uber Eats' acquisition of food panda's Taiwan delivery operations remains in the documentation stage, adding that the commission has not yet begun deliberations.
Uber Eats revealed its acquisition plans on May 14, requiring approval from regulatory bodies, including the FTC. However, Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) also confirmed that day that the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) has formally expressed opposition to the acquisition.
The FTC responded, saying it will consider the MOL's stance once the case moves to the deliberation phase. The commission emphasized that once they file the case, they will seek input from relevant ministries on inter-ministerial issues.
The FTC explained that the involvement of foreign companies has prolonged the documentation stage, as the exchange of information takes considerable time.
Upon receiving complete documentation from the involved businesses, the commission will initiate a formal review. The commission assured that opinions from the MOL and other industry regulators will guide the review process.
As the acquisition process continues, stakeholders and industry observers await further developments. The FTC's decision will significantly impact Taiwan's delivery service landscape, with potential implications for labor and competition policies.