Uber is planning to buy the Berlin-based startup Blacklane to strengthen its new luxury travel service, Uber Elite.
Blacklane is known for offering premium chauffeur-driven rides and has been around since 2011. Over the years, it has raised more than $100 million in funding from big names like Sixt, Mercedes-Benz, and ALFAHIM.
Uber mentioned that the deal still needs approval from regulators, but it expects everything to be finalized by the end of this year. However, both companies have not shared how much the deal is worth.
This move comes shortly after Uber introduced its new premium service, Uber Elite. This service focuses on high-end travel, offering features like professional chauffeur rides, luxury in-car amenities, airport meet-and-greet services, and 24/7 customer support.
Right now, Uber Elite is only available in a few cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, with plans to expand to New York City soon. Meanwhile, Blacklane already operates in many major cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and North America.
By bringing Blacklane into its business, Uber is clearly aiming to grow its presence in the luxury and executive travel market.
