TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The chairperson of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC, 公平交易委員會) announced on Thursday (Nov. 28) to try to decide on the Uber Eats and Foodpanda merger by late January next year. FTC Chairperson Lee May (李鎂) made this statement at the Legislative Yuan (立法院), where legislators focused on the merger's progress.
The commission has officially filed the case, with a decision expected by Dec. 19, though it may extend into early March. Lee emphasized efforts to reach a verdict by Jan. 31. Before filing, the commission held forums across Taiwan, gathering input from stakeholders. Legislators questioned the sufficiency of the investigation data, but Lee assured comprehensive consideration of all opinions.
The commission will host another forum next Wednesday, inviting scholars, government agencies, and competitors, though Uber Eats and Foodpanda will not attend. Lee highlighted the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the ongoing discussions. If the commission rejects the merger, Lee stated that the companies cannot proceed due to the Fair Trade Act (公平交易法), which imposes penalties, including potential dissolution.
