Prime Highlights
- American Express will buy TheFork from Tripadvisor in a $700 million deal.
- The move expands its global dining network and strengthens customer experience offerings.
Key Facts
- TheFork will continue operating under its existing leadership after the acquisition.
- The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Background
American Express has agreed to acquire restaurant reservation platform TheFork from Tripadvisor in a $700 million all-cash deal, marking another step in its push to strengthen its global dining and lifestyle services.
The company said the acquisition will significantly expand its dining network to around 75,000 bookable restaurants worldwide. The move is part of American Express’ broader strategy to deepen customer engagement by offering more premium travel and dining experiences to its cardholders.
The deal comes as Tripadvisor continues to reshape its business following pandemic-related disruptions and rising competition from major travel platforms. The company said the sale of TheFork will support its shift toward an experience-focused strategy, while also responding to pressure from activist investor Starboard Value, which had earlier pushed for the divestment.
For American Express, the acquisition builds on its earlier investments in dining platforms such as Resy and Tock. The company said dining plays a key role in how customers interact with its services, and expanding this segment will help strengthen its international growth.
Analysts noted that the deal aligns with American Express’ long-term focus on premium customer experiences and stronger engagement across its global network. The company’s international operations have been one of its fastest-growing segments in recent years.
TheFork will continue to operate under its existing leadership team after the deal closes. American Express expects the transaction to be completed before the end of 2026.
American Express is a U.S.-based global payments company that operates card-issuing, merchant acquiring and payment network services. The acquisition reflects its ongoing strategy to move beyond traditional financial services and build a wider ecosystem around travel, dining and lifestyle offerings.
