Turning Away From Grab, Gojek Want To Merge With Tokpedia?

Online Ojek Driver (Angga / VOI)

JAKARTA - The ride-hailing giant Gojek is reportedly in discussion with Tokopedia to conduct a merger. So what about the previous Gojek and Grab merger issues?

Unfortunately, Gojek's Chief Corporate Affairs, Nila Marita, is reluctant to comment on the rumors and speculations that are currently being discussed. Given the segmentation of the two technology-based companies.

"We are unable to comment on rumors and speculation in the market," Nila said in a short message to VOI, Tuesday, January 5.

Quoted from a Bloomberg report, the two Indonesian startup giants have reportedly signed a detailed requirement sheet to carry out their respective business due diligence. Other information states that Gojek and Tokopedia have indeed considered a potential merger since 2018.

But discussions to bring the two companies together accelerated following talks on a deal between Gojek and arch rival Grab Holdings Inc. hit a dead end.

Reportedly, Grab CEO Anthony Tan continues to resist pressure from Masayoshi Son of SoftBank Group Corp. to give up some control in the joint entity with Gojek. Even though both of them have submitted an agreement to manage a business in Indonesia.

On the other hand, if it is true that Gojek and Tokopedia will join forces, it is estimated that the combined valuation of the two will be US $ 18 billion or around Rp.25 trillion. Moreover, previously, Gojek had received funding from Telkomsel of IDR 2.1 trillion.