American Express has agreed to acquire TheFork, Tripadvisor's restaurant booking platform, in a deal valued at US$700 million. The transaction, announced on June 15, 2026, marks a significant expansion of AmEx's dining and travel services.
Strategic Move for American Express
The acquisition will allow American Express to integrate TheFork's booking capabilities into its existing rewards and travel ecosystem. Card members will be able to reserve tables at thousands of restaurants worldwide through TheFork's platform, which operates in over 20 countries.
Michael Miller, equity analyst at Morningstar, commented on the deal: "This acquisition aligns with American Express's strategy to enhance cardholder benefits and drive engagement. TheFork's strong presence in Europe and growing footprint in other regions will provide immediate value."
Details of the Deal
The purchase price includes $700 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Tripadvisor acquired TheFork in 2014 for approximately $140 million, making this a profitable exit.
TheFork, founded in 2007, connects diners with restaurants for online reservations, often offering discounts and loyalty rewards. The platform processes millions of bookings annually and is particularly popular in France, Italy, and Spain.
Implications for the Industry
The deal underscores the growing importance of integrated dining services in the financial sector. Competitors like Mastercard and Visa have also invested in similar offerings. American Express's move could pressure other card issuers to enhance their dining benefits.
Analysts expect the acquisition to boost AmEx's transaction volumes and cardholder loyalty. However, integration challenges and competition from platforms like OpenTable and Yelp remain risks.
The announcement comes as American Express reported mixed fourth-quarter results earlier this year, with revenue growth but higher provisions for credit losses. The company has been focusing on premium cardholders and travel-related spending.
Market Reaction
Shares of American Express traded slightly higher following the news, while Tripadvisor's stock rose on the sale. The deal is seen as a win for Tripadvisor, which has been streamlining its operations to focus on its core travel review business.
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