Direct answer: DoorDash will buy Instacart for about $17 billion, or $65 per share, in its biggest deal yet. The two delivery companies will keep running separately for now, and the deal is not expected to close until late 2027 or the first half of 2028, if regulators and shareholders approve it.
What happened
Reuters reported on October 29, 2026 that DoorDash said it would buy Instacart, formally known as Maplebear, in a deal valued at about $17 billion. The offer of $65 per share is about 26 percent above Instacart’s closing price on October 22, before reports of deal talks first emerged.
At least 75 percent of the payment will be cash. Instacart shareholders can choose $65 in cash, 0.3372 DoorDash shares, or a mix of $48.75 in cash plus 0.0843 DoorDash shares per Instacart share, subject to a 25 percent cap on the stock portion.
DoorDash plans to keep the Instacart brand and app after the deal closes and to combine the companies’ membership programs. It also pledged not to require grocers to use its delivery services exclusively.
The deal still needs Instacart shareholder approval, antitrust clearance in the United States, and regulatory approvals in Canada and Israel. Shareholders holding about 19 percent of Instacart shares have already agreed to vote in favor. If the deal is ended under certain circumstances, Instacart would pay DoorDash a $650 million termination fee, while DoorDash would pay $1.25 billion.
In early trading on the day of the announcement, Instacart shares were flat at $58.35, after hitting a record high of $62 earlier that week. DoorDash shares jumped nearly 6 percent after the company also reported better than expected quarterly revenue, though they were still down about 25 percent so far in 2026 through their previous close.
Why it matters for beginners
DoorDash started with restaurant delivery. Instacart built its business around grocery delivery for supermarkets. Put together, the combined company would cover both weekly grocery shops and restaurant orders, plus convenience items and other retail goods.
That matters because grocery delivery is a regular, repeat purchase, unlike an occasional takeaway. A company that handles both can spread its delivery costs across more orders and compete more directly with large retailers such as Walmart and Amazon, which have built their own store, warehouse, and delivery networks.
For shoppers, a bigger delivery company could mean a wider choice of stores in one app, or combined membership benefits. It could also mean less competition, which is why regulators and some city officials are watching the deal closely. New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection said a potential merger continued a troubling trend of corporate consolidation.
For delivery workers, consolidation can cut both ways. More orders in one system could mean steadier work, but fewer competing platforms could also mean less choice over where to work and how pay is set. That is one reason gig worker treatment has drawn tighter regulatory scrutiny in recent years.
Investors also watch deals like this as a sign of confidence. A $17 billion cash-heavy offer suggests DoorDash believes grocery delivery will keep growing, even as order growth slows and costs rise across the industry.
What to watch next
First, the regulatory review. Analysts at CFRA Research said the main risk is regulatory approval, and the long closing timeline suggests both sides expect an extended antitrust review.
Second, the shareholder vote. With about 19 percent of shares already committed in favor, attention will turn to whether other large shareholders back the $65 price.
Third, any changes to fees, memberships, or store partnerships before closing. Both companies said they will continue to operate independently until the deal is completed, so shoppers should not expect immediate changes to either app.
Finally, watch how competitors respond. Instacart had also held preliminary talks with Uber, but Uber did not pursue a deal, in part because it had announced a $14.8 billion acquisition of German food delivery platform Delivery Hero a few months earlier. How Walmart, Amazon, and Uber adjust their grocery plans will shape what this deal means in practice.
For wider market context, see our report on how US stocks ended October with a sharp sell-off: https://investclaritypath.com/us-stocks-end-october-sharp-friday-selloff/
FAQ
Does this mean Instacart will disappear?
No, not under the current plan. DoorDash plans to retain the Instacart brand and app after the deal closes.
Will my DoorDash or Instacart app change right away?
No. Both platforms will continue to operate independently until the acquisition is completed, which is not expected until late 2027 or the first half of 2028.
Is the deal already final?
No. It still needs Instacart shareholder approval and regulatory approvals, including US antitrust clearance.
Why is DoorDash paying $65 per share?
That price values Instacart at about $17 billion in total and is about 26 percent above its October 22 closing price, before deal reports emerged. A premium is normal in takeovers, because the buyer must persuade existing shareholders to sell.
What is the biggest risk to the deal?
Regulatory approval. Combining two of the largest US delivery platforms is likely to face a long antitrust review, and the outcome is not guaranteed.