Turkish rapid delivery specialist Getir announces completion of acquisition of US online grocer FreshDirect

Getir, which operates in the ultrafast grocery delivery space, has acquired FreshDirect, a US-based online grocery company, from Ahold Delhaize.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Getir says that the deal will improve FreshDirect's technological infrastructure, and FreshDirect customers will receive their orders much faster, whilst Getir will accelerate the growth of its fast delivery business in the US.

FreshDirect's business model is based on the scheduled delivery of orders to homes or offices at certain times of the day.

With a fleet of 400 trucks and a 640,000-square-foot production and distribution centre in the Bronx, it serves the greater New York tri-state area.

UNDER PRESSURE

Getir recently announced a global restructuring initiative, with plans to cut 2,500 jobs across five countries, or 10.9% of its total workforce.

It will continue to operate in Turkey, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.

The company had previously reported its exit from Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

It said in a press statement: “We will restructure the global organisation to significantly increase operational efficiency.”

“The Getir network consists of roughly 23,000 people across five countries. This number includes couriers, pickers, and office employees. Regrettably, we intend to reduce our team and, with a heavy heart, part ways with approximately 2,500 talented employees across our markets.”

It added: “Decisions like these are never taken lightly. However, Getir is determined to do right by all employees affected by the process in line with its values and in full compliance with local laws. We are very grateful to all colleagues for their hard work, dedication, and significant contributions to the business.”

It concluded: “The company remains fully committed to the future of the industry it pioneered eight years ago and will continue to lead it in the future.”

FUNDING ROUND

In July, we reported that Getir was looking to wrap up a major funding round that it hoped would kill rumours about its solvency.

According to a report by Sky News, the capital injection would be led by Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, although it was expected to involve a smaller sum than the $500 million reported several months earlier.