The combined group will have a global presence in over 40 countries, serving around 50 million monthly active users, the companies said.

U.S. meal delivery firm DoorDash will buy Deliveroo in a deal valuing the British rival at about 2.9 billion pounds ($3.85 billion), the companies said, banking on a bigger reach and local expertise to take on competition.

The acquisition would give DoorDash a presence in the Middle East and expand its footprint in Europe. DoorDash said on Tuesday that it had agreed to buy Deliveroo, a British food delivery service, in a roughly $3.9 billion deal, part of its effort to expand overseas.