Deal is for $197 million in cash
Lyft announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Freenow, a leading European multi-mobility app with a taxi offering at its core, from BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility for approximately $197 million in cash.
Freeenow will continue operating as it does today, with its leadership team and employees in place to drive growth across nine countries and over 150 cities across Ireland, the UK, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, France and Austria. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
David Risher, CEO of Lyft. said, “We found the perfect partner in Freenow and can learn a lot from the team. Freenow’s local-first approach, he said, “mirrors Lyft’s values and embodies our purpose — to serve and connect.”
Freenow, according to the announcement, is the leading taxi platform in several major European cities, including Dublin, London, Athens, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, and Hamburg, with luxury vehicles making up a significant portion of its fleet. Taxis accounted for approximately 90% of gross bookings in 2024 and will continue to be the backbone of Freenow’s business.
Thomas Zimmermann. CEO of Freenow, said, “Lyft’s strong, customer-first track record aligns perfectly with our deep roots in the taxi industry, and together we will push boundaries and raise expectations for fleet owners, taxi drivers, and riders across the continent.”
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