Key Highlights

  • DoorDash (NASDAQ:DASH) is reportedly close to buying Instacart for about USD 17 billion, according to press reports that the companies have not confirmed. The report does not name a price premium or a financing structure, so those details are unknown.
  • Uber (NYSE:UBER) is no longer in talks for Instacart, according to the same report, which leaves DoorDash as the lead suitor. The reason for Uber's exit was not retrieved.
  • DoorDash shares are down 21% this year, so a large acquisition would come at a time when investors are already questioning its growth and costs. The decline adds pressure to show that a deal would add value.
  • First reports appeared between October 23 and October 26, 2026, and updates on October 27 described advanced talks, not a signed deal. Nothing is final until the companies announce terms or a regulator receives a filing.

What Is Reported About DoorDash

Press reports published between October 23 and 26, 2026 said DoorDash was in talks to acquire Instacart (NASDAQ:CART), and updates on October 27 described the talks as advanced. The reported price is about USD 17 billion. Uber had also been mentioned as a possible buyer, but the reports now say it has walked away. Neither DoorDash nor Instacart has confirmed the talks in the information reviewed, so the story remains reported and not confirmed. Share reactions on October 27 were not retrieved, so the effect on both stocks is not stated here. Reports of this kind often move both stocks, and the target's shares usually rise more, but share price reactions were not retrieved for this article.

Why a Delivery Merger Would Matter

DoorDash dominates restaurant delivery in the United States, while Instacart specializes in grocery delivery and retail technology. A combination would unite the two largest platforms in their areas and make a larger competitor to Uber and to Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN). It could create savings from marketing and logistics and increase negotiating power with merchants. It would also invite scrutiny from antitrust regulators, who may ask whether it reduces competition for consumers and couriers. With DoorDash shares down 21% this year, shareholders might question the price and the use of cash or stock. A purchase of that size would also be the largest in the company's history, and the terms could include cash, stock or both.

Risks and What to Watch Next

The first risk is that talks fail, in which case any related share move could reverse. A second is price: USD 17 billion is a large commitment that could raise debt or dilute holders. Integration of two businesses, regulatory review and courier regulation add further uncertainty. Investors should watch for a joint announcement, regulatory filings and any comment from the companies. The Federal Reserve decision at 2:00 p.m. ET on October 28, 2026 may influence financing costs. Until a deal is announced, every detail in this article should be treated as reported and subject to change. Courier pay, delivery fees and consumer demand for takeout and groceries would all feed into the value of the combined business.

Where Things Stand

The answer is that DoorDash (NASDAQ:DASH) is reportedly near a USD 17 billion purchase of Instacart because it is the lead suitor after Uber walked away, but neither company has confirmed the talks. The strategic logic is clear, while antitrust, price and integration risks are open. The next catalysts are an announcement, regulatory steps and the Federal Reserve decision on October 28. This is not investment advice. Investors should treat every figure as reported until the companies confirm the terms.