American Express to acquire TheFork from Tripadvisor for $700 million
The cash deal, expected to close by year-end, will add TheFork's 50,000 restaurants in 11 European countries to Amex's dining network, which already includes Resy and Tock.
The deal
American Express announced on Monday a proposed acquisition of TheFork, the European restaurant reservation platform, from Tripadvisor for $700 million in cash (approximately €603 million). The transaction, structured as an option agreement, is expected to close before the end of 2026. TheFork, founded in 2007 as La Fourchette SAS and acquired by Tripadvisor in 2015, connects diners with over 50,000 restaurants across 11 European countries.
Strategic rationale
The purchase deepens American Express's push into the dining sector, following its earlier acquisitions of Resy in 2019 and Tock in 2024 (for $400 million). Together, the three platforms would give Amex cardholders access to roughly 75,000 bookable restaurants worldwide.
Marquez, president of International Card Services at American Express, said the deal would enrich the membership model and broaden discovery and reservation options.Dining is one of the most important ways people connect with our brand.
- TheFork founded in France as La Fourchette SAS
- Acquired by Tripadvisor
- Tripadvisor announces strategic review of TheFork
- American Express proposes acquisition for $700 million
- Expected closing of the deal
TheFork's footprint
The platform operates in markets including France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. In Italy alone, Fipe-Confcommercio estimates that 30% of revenue at participating restaurants comes from TheFork bookings, with the platform's global economic impact exceeding €2 billion. TheFork had recently added an AI-powered voice assistant and a social feed called TheFork Manager to help users discover venues through influencer and friend recommendations.
With Tripadvisor's support we built one of Europe's leading restaurant booking platforms. American Express shares our commitment to innovation, service quality, and hospitality. Together we have a unique opportunity to accelerate our mission, creating more value for restaurants and richer experiences for millions of users across Europe.
Amex builds its dining network
The acquisitions of Resy, Tock, and now TheFork position American Express as a significant player in the online restaurant reservation market, which is valued at over $7 billion globally. Tock, which focuses on high-end and Michelin-starred restaurants plus wineries, broadens the offering beyond TheFork's mainstream reach. The deal also marks an exit for Tripadvisor, which had announced a strategic review of the asset in February.
Market reaction
The acquisition adds to a wave of consolidation in restaurant tech. While OpenTable remains the dominant player in the United States, Amex's combined network strengthens its competitive position in Europe. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
