Grab's $7B Mega Move Could Flip Southeast Asia's Tech Empire--But Indonesia Might Block It
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Sign with GRAB.
Enter DanantaraIndonesia's sovereign wealth fundwhich has kicked off early-stage talks to buy a minority stake in the new entity. That move could help ease nationalist fears over foreign dominance, job losses, and rising consumer costs. For President Prabowo's government, which has been flexing its populist muscles with wage hikes, subsidy boosts, and demands for driver bonuses, having a local backer in the mix might be a political win. For Grab, it's a potential green light. But the clock is ticking. Any deal still hinges on clearance from Indonesia's antitrust watchdog, and regulatory nerves remain high.
Meanwhile, the market dynamics are shifting fast. Grab's revenue in Indonesia rose just 6.3% in 2024its slowest in Southeast Asiawhile GoTo has already exited Vietnam and Thailand. A tie-up would give Grab more firepower in Indonesia's 275-million-strong market, just as newer players like InDrive and Maxim try to muscle in. The stakes? If Danantara comes onboard, the merger could reshape Southeast Asia's tech landscape. If not, Grab might have to find another way into the driver's seat.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
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