EL7.AI
Mergers & AcquisitionsMedium•15 June 2026•
1 min read

American Express to Acquire TheFork for $700 Million in European Expansion

Key Facts

1American Express has agreed to purchase the European restaurant reservation platform TheFork from Tripadvisor in an all-cash deal.
2The transaction is valued at $700 million and is expected to close before the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
3Tripadvisor intends to use the sale to focus on its Experiences strategy and provide greater capital flexibility.

In a move reflecting the accelerating convergence between fintech and travel sectors, American Express has announced its acquisition of TheFork. The company agreed to purchase the leading European restaurant reservation platform from Tripadvisor in an all-cash deal valued at $700 million. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

Tripadvisor intends to use the proceeds to focus on its 'Experiences' strategy and enhance capital flexibility, as the experiences segment has been a primary growth driver in recent quarters. Compared to peers, this move strengthens American Express's position against platforms like Booking Holdings' OpenTable, expanding its lifestyle and hospitality footprint in Europe. Per market data, this expansion targets the high-spending demographic central to the AXP customer base.

Investors should monitor American Express shares (listed as 0R3C.L), which stood at $321 at close June 12, 2026, within a session range of $313.04 to $324.94. Looking at the economic calendar, upcoming U.S. retail sales data will be a key catalyst to gauge consumer spending strength, which directly impacts transaction volumes on the company's newly acquired booking platforms.