Uber Plans Acquisition of Blacklane Global Chauffeur Service
The transaction will further accelerate Uber’s recently announced move into the chauffeur sector with Uber Elite…
Rideshare company Uber Technologies Inc. continues its expansion into luxury and executive travel with the acquisition of Blacklane global chauffeur service. Founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2011 to bring quality and consistency to travel, Blacklane connects guests worldwide with independent local chauffeur services via an app and web booking platform.
Executive travel is a fast-growing segment of Uber’s business, driven by strong demand for planned, high-quality transport services, company officials stated in a press release. Pre-booked Uber Reserve trips in particular have become one of the fastest growing parts of Uber’s mobility business.
“Premium travel is one of the most exciting growth areas of Uber’s business. We want to offer the widest selection of options to meet our riders where they are—from the everyday commute to luxury rides,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “We’re incredibly impressed by what Blacklane has built and we’re eager to work with them to amplify how we deliver truly exceptional service to more people in cities around the world.”
Building on the Uber Elite Program
Once the transaction is complete, the acquisition of Blacklane will further accelerate Uber’s recently announced move into the chauffeur sector with Uber Elite, and support Uber’s ambition to deliver best-in-class service to more customers around the world, the release noted.
Blacklane operates in more than 500 cities across 60-plus countries. The acquisition is subject to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of 2026, according to the release.
“Blacklane’s growth to date has been founded on consistently excellent service, wherever in the world our guests move,” said Dr. Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO of Blacklane. “Fifteen years after our vision to make premium travel frictionless, we are bringing luxury hospitality expertise to Uber as a leading player in mobility. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Blacklane’s next chapter and is a powerful step-change in introducing our service to new markets globally.”
