Gopuff accelerates European expansion with acquisition
On-demand delivery platform Gopuff is purchasing its second U.K.-based startup in the past three months.
The rapidly growing, Philadelphia-based on-demand delivery specialist has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dija, a U.K.-based ultrafast delivery platform which incorporated in November 2020 and only officially launched in March 2021. Gopuff expects the acquisition to further establish its presence in the U.K. and provide an immediate presence in France and Spain. Dija operates dozens of micro-fulfillment centers across major metropolitan areas including London, Paris, Madrid, and Valencia.
In May 2021, Gopuff first entered the U.K. market by purchasing Fancy, a U.K.-based last-mile delivery startup that fulfills online orders of groceries and daily essentials in 30 minutes. At the time, Gopuff said this marked the beginning of a multi-step plan to significantly invest in new international markets, starting with the U.K. and Europe, and expand its global operations team.
Through the acquisitions of Dija and Fancy, Gopuff plans to operate in three European countries with about 40 micro-fulfillment centers and 200 employees in the region, with additional plans for continued, rapid expansion. After closing, Dija, which has a vertically integrated model similar to Gopuff, will continue to operate under the Dija name in the near-term as the two companies create an integration plan to enhance the customer experience across Europe and the U.K.
Founded in 2013, Gopuff currently operates more than 450 sites across North America and Europe, including nearly 300 micro-fulfillment centers and 185-plus recently acquired BevMo! and Liquor Barn locations.
“Combining Dija’s team of industry veterans, extensive infrastructure, and local expertise will complement Gopuff’s proprietary technology and unique customer experience, and advance our ability to scale rapidly as we create a leading platform in Europe,” said Daniel Folkman, Gopuff senior VP of business. “Together, we will continue to innovate and define the instant needs economy across Europe and bring the category to more customers in the region.”
“For the last eight years, Gopuff has been the market and category leader in the United States. Together, combined with our team's extensive experience of building and scaling food and delivery companies across Europe, we are perfectly positioned to lead the everyday essentials space in Europe and beyond,” said Alberto Menolascina, co-founder & CEO of Dija.
The transaction is anticipated to close within 30 days, subject to customary closing conditions.