Whoosh and YurentBike e-scooter merger opposed by antitrust service

Two major kick-sharing operators — Whoosh and YurentBike — may merge. The fact of the negotiations was confirmed to MSK1.RU by the press service of the electric scooter rental service Whoosh.

The Federal Antimonopoly Service believes that the merger of the companies will lead to a restriction of competition and an increase in the market power of the group of persons PJSC «VUSH Holding». The agency also notes that the new company will be able to unilaterally determine pricing policy, and all this may lead to the service not approving the deal.

The press service of Whoosh told MSK1.RU that it is about the possible accession of the company YurentBike to them. The deal could optimize operational processes and improve service quality. Currently, Whoosh has sent a petition to the FAS for consideration of the potential agreement.

«The consideration is being carried out by the regulator, no final decisions have been made at this time. The company is in the process of receiving the text of the conclusion on the circumstances from the FAS of Russia. No binding documents regarding the potential acquisition by the Company have been signed,» MSK1.RU was told by the press service of Whoosh.

Last season in Moscow, there were three main operators for electric scooter rental: Yandex, Yurent (operated under the brand «MTS Yurent»), and Whoosh. Scooters in the capital could be used until November 14. The new season will open in spring after the snow melts and stable warm weather is established. The Federal Ministry of Transport will continue to regulate personal mobility devices, but it will not come to introducing driving licenses.