POELLATH advises the management and founders of Blacklane on sale to Uber
U.S.-based ride-hailing company Uber Technologies, Inc. (“Uber”) has entered into an agreement to acquire the Berlin-based start-up Blacklane GmbH (“Blacklane”), a provider of premium global chauffeur services. With the transaction, Uber aims to accelerate its growth in the premium and executive travel segment and to strategically expand its offering of pre-bookable, high-quality rides. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to take place by the end of 2026.
Founded in 2011 by Jens Wohltorf and Frank Steuer, Blacklane is a global chauffeur service offering premium, reliable and sustainable mobility solutions. Through its app and web-based platform, the company connects customers with independent local chauffeur partners and is today active in more than 500 cities across over 60 countries. Blacklane employs more than 300 people and is the partner of choice for discerning business and private travelers as well as leading international companies. The company has been climate-neutral since 2017.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Uber is a global mobility platform that has been developing innovative transportation solutions since 2010. Its services range from everyday commuting to premium and executive offerings, with a particular focus on expanding high-quality, pre-bookable mobility solutions. Driven by growing demand for predictable premium transporta-tion services, the business travel segment is among Uber’s fastest-growing areas, especially with offerings such as Uber Reserve.
POELLATH has advised Blacklane for many years on all legal matters and financing rounds and also comprehensively advised Blacklane’s management and founder Dr. Jens Wohltorf on legal and tax aspects in connection with the sale to Uber with the following team:
- Christian Tönies (partner, M&A/private equity, venture capital)
- Gerald Herrmann (associated partner, tax)
- Severin Scholz (senior associate, M&A/private equity, venture capital)
- Oliver Ferstl (associate, M&A/private equity, venture capital)
- Jannis Lührs (senior associate, tax)
Blacklane was also comprehensively advised by Linklaters in parallel on the transaction.
