AmEx says it plans to expand the TheFork’s dining network to 75,000 bookable venues and bolster its fast-growing international business.
The deal, which AmEx says will strengthen the company’s ability to provide its card members with access to restaurants, is set to complete by the end of this year.
“Dining is one of the most important ways people engage with our brand,” says Rafa Marquez, president of international card services at AmEx.
“TheFork has built a successful platform across Europe with strong relationships throughout the restaurant industry that would complement our existing capabilities.”
In 2019, AmEx acquired another online restaurant booking platform, Resy, giving cardholders special access to restaurants, including early notifications and exclusive reservations. Two years ago, it completed a $400m (£298.5m) deal to buy Tock, another restaurant reservation business.
TheFork was established in 2007, and partners with more than 50,000 restaurants across 11 European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
“TheFork was created to help restaurants thrive and to make it easier for diners to discover and enjoy great restaurants,” says chief executive Almir Ambeskovic.
“American Express shares our commitment to innovation, service and hospitality. Together, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate our mission, bringing even more value to restaurants while creating richer and more seamless experiences for millions of diners across Europe.”
Yesterday (15 June) TheFork’s payment facility made its debut in the UK.
Called TheFork Pay, diners can pay their restaurant bill directly through the TheFork app, eliminating the need for payment terminals. The launch follows successful roll-outs in markets including Spain, France and Italy.