Chinese ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing has agreed to acquire control of Brazil’s 99, the companies said on Wednesday, potentially creating a rival to Uber in Latin America’s largest economy.
The companies neither disclosed the stake acquired nor its value, but an earlier report by Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico on Wednesday said the deal valued 99 at US$1 billion.
According to the paper, which cited sources familiar with talks, the Chinese company bought out investors such as Riverwood Capital, Monashees, Qualcomm Ventures, Tiger Global Management and Softbank Group.
The acquisition intensifies Didi’s global rivalry with Uber, especially in Latin America. Reuters reported in December that Didi planned to enter Mexico this year.
Cheng Wei, 34, founder and chief executive of Didi, said on Wednesday that “globalisation is a top strategic priority for Didi”.
Didi first invested US$100 million in 99 in January 2017, getting a stake and management rights in the Brazilian app.
One source with knowledge of the matter said the funds selling their stakes in 99 started looking for a buyer several months ago, in mid-2017.
Riverwood, Monashees, Tiger Global and Soft Bank Group did not reply to requests for comment.
Didi has made no secret of its desire to expand beyond China, particularly in light of the growing number of Chinese customers who travel overseas.
More at South China Morning Post
The biggest winner in the end is probably Jack Ma.