American Express Acquires TheFork for $700 Million

American Express (AXP) has announced the acquisition of European restaurant booking platform TheFork for $700 million, according to reports. The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2026, expands Amex's hospitality offerings.

Deal Details

• Value: $700 million in cash.
• Target: TheFork, a leading European restaurant booking platform.
• Seller: Tripadvisor (owner of TheFork).
• Expected Closing: Second half of 2026.
• Premium: Not disclosed.

Rationale

American Express aims to enhance cardholder benefits in dining and travel. TheFork will enable exclusive restaurant reservations and perks. For Tripadvisor, the sale frees up capital to focus on Experiences investments and shareholder returns.

Regulatory Challenges

The deal will likely face European regulatory review, but given limited overlap, approvals are expected without major hurdles.

Stock Impact

Tripadvisor shares jumped 14% on the news, while Amex stock remained flat. Analysts view the deal positively for both companies, providing Amex with a growth platform and Tripadvisor with liquidity.