Just Eat is a household name in the food delivery industry, operating in numerous countries worldwide. The company’s platform allows customers to browse and order food from local restaurants and have it delivered to their doorstep. But have you ever wondered who is behind this food delivery giant? In this article, we will delve into the history of Just Eat and explore its ownership structure.
A Brief History of Just Eat
Just Eat was founded in 2001 by David Buttress and a group of entrepreneurs in Denmark. Initially, the company focused on providing an online platform for customers to order food from local restaurants. The concept quickly gained popularity, and Just Eat expanded its operations to the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries.
In 2014, Just Eat listed on the London Stock Exchange, raising £360 million in its initial public offering (IPO). The company used the funds to further expand its operations and make strategic acquisitions. One notable acquisition was the purchase of Menulog, an Australian food delivery company, in 2015.
The Takeover by Takeaway.com
In 2020, Just Eat was acquired by Takeaway.com, a Dutch food delivery company, in an all-share deal worth £6.2 billion. The acquisition created one of the largest food delivery companies in the world, with operations in over 40 countries.
Takeaway.com was founded in 2000 by Jitse Groen, and it quickly expanded its operations across Europe. The company listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange in 2016 and used the funds to make strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Foodpanda’s operations in several countries.
The Current Ownership Structure of Just Eat
Following the acquisition by Takeaway.com, the ownership structure of Just Eat changed significantly. Takeaway.com is now the parent company of Just Eat, and its shareholders own a significant portion of the company.
The largest shareholders of Takeaway.com include:
- Jitse Groen, the founder and CEO of Takeaway.com, who owns approximately 12% of the company.
- Capital Research Global Investors, a US-based investment firm, which owns around 10% of the company.
- BlackRock, a US-based investment firm, which owns around 6% of the company.
Other Significant Shareholders
Other significant shareholders of Takeaway.com include:
- State Street Corporation, a US-based investment firm, which owns around 4% of the company.
- FMR, LLC (Fidelity), a US-based investment firm, which owns around 3% of the company.
Just Eat’s Operations and Financial Performance
Just Eat operates in numerous countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European countries. The company’s platform allows customers to browse and order food from local restaurants, and it generates revenue through commission-based sales.
In 2020, Just Eat reported revenue of £1.1 billion, with a gross profit of £443 million. The company’s financial performance has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to increased demand for food delivery services.
Just Eat’s Competitive Landscape
Just Eat operates in a highly competitive market, with several other food delivery companies vying for market share. Some of the company’s main competitors include:
- Uber Eats, a US-based food delivery company owned by Uber Technologies.
- Deliveroo, a UK-based food delivery company.
- DoorDash, a US-based food delivery company.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ownership of Just Eat is complex and has changed significantly over the years. The company’s acquisition by Takeaway.com in 2020 created one of the largest food delivery companies in the world, with operations in over 40 countries. The largest shareholders of Takeaway.com include Jitse Groen, Capital Research Global Investors, and BlackRock. Just Eat’s financial performance has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the company operates in a highly competitive market.
As the food delivery industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Just Eat and its parent company, Takeaway.com, adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.
Who founded Just Eat and when was it established?
Just Eat was founded in 2001 by Per Meldgaard, a Danish entrepreneur. Meldgaard had a vision to create a platform that would connect customers with local restaurants and food establishments, allowing them to order food online. The company was initially launched in Denmark and later expanded to other countries.
In the early days, Just Eat focused on building a network of partner restaurants and developing a user-friendly online ordering system. The company’s early success was driven by its innovative approach to food delivery, which was still a relatively new concept at the time. As the company grew, it expanded its operations to other countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
What was the key factor that contributed to Just Eat’s rapid growth?
The key factor that contributed to Just Eat’s rapid growth was its strategic decision to focus on partnering with local, independent restaurants. By doing so, the company was able to offer a wide range of cuisines and dining options to customers, which helped to differentiate it from other food delivery platforms. This approach also allowed Just Eat to tap into the existing network of local restaurants, which helped to drive growth and expansion.
As a result of this strategy, Just Eat was able to quickly expand its operations and establish itself as a leading player in the food delivery market. The company’s focus on local restaurants also helped to build strong relationships with its partners, which was critical to its long-term success. By working closely with local restaurants, Just Eat was able to provide a high-quality service to customers and drive growth through word-of-mouth referrals.
Who are the current owners of Just Eat?
Just Eat is currently owned by Just Eat Takeaway.com, a leading global online food delivery marketplace. The company was formed in 2020 through the merger of Just Eat and Takeaway.com, a Dutch food delivery company. The combined entity operates in over 40 countries and has a network of over 500,000 partner restaurants.
The merger between Just Eat and Takeaway.com created one of the largest food delivery companies in the world, with a strong presence in Europe, North America, and other regions. The combined entity has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Just Eat, Takeaway.com, and SkipTheDishes, among others. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.
What is the business model of Just Eat?
Just Eat’s business model is based on a commission-based approach, where the company earns a fee on every order placed through its platform. The company also generates revenue through advertising and sponsored listings on its website and mobile app. In addition, Just Eat offers a range of services to its partner restaurants, including online ordering and payment processing.
Just Eat’s business model is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing the company to quickly expand into new markets and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The company’s focus on technology and innovation has also enabled it to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its market leading position. By providing a high-quality service to customers and restaurants, Just Eat has been able to build a loyal customer base and drive long-term growth.
How has Just Eat expanded its operations over the years?
Just Eat has expanded its operations through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company has invested heavily in its technology platform and marketing efforts, which has helped to drive growth and expansion. In addition, Just Eat has made several strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of SkipTheDishes in Canada and Menulog in Australia.
Just Eat’s expansion strategy has focused on entering new markets and increasing its presence in existing ones. The company has also invested in building strong relationships with its partner restaurants, which has helped to drive growth and retention. By providing a high-quality service to customers and restaurants, Just Eat has been able to establish itself as a leading player in the food delivery market.
What are the key challenges facing Just Eat in the competitive food delivery market?
Just Eat faces intense competition in the food delivery market, with several other players vying for market share. The company must also navigate changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, which can impact its business model and operations. Additionally, Just Eat must ensure that it maintains high standards of food safety and quality, which is critical to its reputation and customer trust.
To address these challenges, Just Eat has invested in its technology platform and marketing efforts, which has helped to drive growth and retention. The company has also focused on building strong relationships with its partner restaurants, which has helped to drive growth and expansion. By providing a high-quality service to customers and restaurants, Just Eat has been able to establish itself as a leading player in the food delivery market.
What is the future outlook for Just Eat in the food delivery market?
The future outlook for Just Eat is positive, with the company well-positioned to continue its growth and expansion in the food delivery market. The company’s strong brand and technology platform, combined with its large network of partner restaurants, provide a solid foundation for future growth. Additionally, the increasing demand for online food delivery and the growing trend towards convenience and flexibility are expected to drive growth in the market.
Just Eat is also investing in new technologies and innovations, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, which are expected to enhance its service and improve efficiency. The company is also expanding its services to include new features, such as grocery delivery and meal kits, which are expected to drive growth and increase customer engagement. By continuing to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, Just Eat is well-positioned to maintain its market leading position and drive long-term growth.