UK regulator to further probe Amazon-Deliveroo deal

Amazon was revealed as the lead investor in a $575 million funding round in Deliveroo. (AFP)
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Updated 27 December 2019
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UK regulator to further probe Amazon-Deliveroo deal

  • Amazon and Deliveroo had not cleared the doubts raised earlier this month regarding the stake acquisition

Britain’s competition regulator has decided to deepen its investigation into Amazon.com Inc’s purchase of a stake in online food delivery group Deliveroo, a move that could delay the closure of the deal.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which launched a probe in June, on Friday moved to “Phase 2” of the investigation as both Amazon and Deliveroo did not offer remedies to its concerns before a Dec. 18 deadline, the regulator said.

Amazon led a $575 million fundraising in Deliveroo in May and the probe is likely to put at risk the e-commerce giant’s efforts to compete with Uber Eats, Just Eat and Takeaway.com in food delivery.

Earlier this month, the CMA had found that Amazon’s investment into Deliveroo in its current form could harm competition in restaurant food delivery and online convenience grocery delivery.

Both Deliveroo and Amazon had defended the deal after the initial probe and the Seattle-based company had said the funding would “lead to more pro-consumer innovation.”

Deliveroo on Friday said it was working with the CMA and said the deal would “add to competition, helping restaurants to grow their businesses, creating more work for riders and increasing choice for customers.”

Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

Updated 27 February 2026
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PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.

According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries. 

The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.

AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.

AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.

Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”

He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”

Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.

AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance. 

Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.