Fearing Monopoly, Competition Commissions Investigate Grab's Uber Acquisition

Officials in Malaysia and Philippines are monitoring ride-hailing group Grab, after it acquired Uber’s Southeast Asia business last week.

According to Arab News, Malaysia’s Competition Commission (MCC) is monitoring Grab for possible anti-competitive behavior. As part of the acquisition, Uber’s 27.5% stake in the Singapore-based raised some red flags with country’s watchdog group.

The MCC said it will monitor Grab for any unfair practices or sudden fare increases.

Similarly, the Philippine Competition Commission is monitoring the acquisition, Vietnam Plus reports. Officials told the news group the deal allows Grab to have a virtual monopoly in the ride-sharing market, and that it plans to investigate with the transaction will significantly reduce competition.