- Merger watch: Bloomberg reports SoftBank is backing a move to replace GoTo’s CEO, a step that could clear a path for Grab–GoTo deal talks; GoTo says no agreement has been reached. [1]
- Product/tech: Grab unveiled a lane‑level GPS pilot for GrabMaps in Singapore with OPPO, Qualcomm, and Swift Navigation—aimed at more precise pickups and routing. [2]
- Corporate: Grab set its 2025 Annual General Meeting for Dec 5 in Singapore; no proposals will be tabled, but shareholders can discuss company affairs with management. Record date: Nov 14 (ET). [3]
- Strategy context (yesterday): Grab agreed to invest $60M in remote‑driving firm Vay, with a potential $350M follow‑on tied to milestones—part of its “hybrid mobility” roadmap. [4]
Merger chatter intensifies—but no agreement as of today
A Bloomberg report today says a group of GoTo backers—including SoftBank—is pushing to replace CEO Patrick Walujo, a shake‑up that investors view as potentially smoothing the way for renewed Grab–GoTo deal discussions. [5]
In a same‑day update from Dow Jones Newswires, GoTo stated that no decision or agreement has been made with Grab, addressing market speculation directly. [6]
For context, Indonesia’s government confirmed last week that it is discussing a potential Grab–GoTo combination, underscoring the sector’s strategic importance for jobs and the economy—yet any transaction would still face regulatory review. [7]
Regulatory lens: Indonesian competition law would require notification to the KPPU (Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha) if a deal materializes, a point reiterated in regional tech media today. [8]
Grab debuts lane‑level GPS pilot to sharpen maps and ETAs
Separately today, Grab announced a high‑accuracy GPS pilot in Singapore that targets lane‑level positioning and underground continuity (e.g., basements and multi‑level carparks). The trial uses OPPO’s Find N5 (dual‑frequency GNSS), the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform from Qualcomm (meter‑level positioning), and Swift Navigation’s Skylark corrections—working with data from the Singapore Land Authority’s SiReNT network. Early pilots include ~250 driver and delivery‑partners. [9]
Independent coverage describes the effort as first‑of‑its‑kind for ride‑hailing in Southeast Asia, aimed at improving pick‑up precision and ETA accuracy in dense urban settings. [10]
Corporate calendar: AGM set for Dec 5, 2025
Grab’s Investor Relations site posted this morning that the 2025 AGM will be held Dec 5, 9:00 a.m. SGT at its global HQ (3 Media Close, Singapore). No proposals are up for shareholder vote; instead, the meeting serves as an open forum. Shareholders of record as of Nov 14 (ET) may attend and are asked to register by Nov 19 (SGT). [11]
Strategy check: Remote driving and autonomy bets (from Nov 10)
On Monday, Grab said it will invest $60 million in Vay, a remote‑driving (“teledriving”) company that delivers vehicles to customers who then take over. The deal includes up to $350 million in additional performance‑based funding, aligning with Grab’s “hybrid mobility” thesis that combines human drivers with autonomous and remote‑driven services. [12]
Vay confirmed the agreement and timeline in its own release, noting the investment is expected to close in Q4 2025 pending approvals. [13]
Earnings context: momentum into year‑end
Earlier this month, Grab reported Q3 2025 revenue of $873M (+22% YoY), Adjusted EBITDA of $136M (+51% YoY), profit of $17M, and On‑Demand GMV growth of 24% YoY. Management raised full‑year Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $490–$500M and reiterated a disciplined capital approach. [14]
What this means and what to watch
- Deal dynamics: Today’s SoftBank‑linked move heightens expectations around a Grab–GoTo transaction, but nothing is signed. Keep an eye on any board/management changes at GoTo and formal notices to Indonesian regulators if talks progress. [15]
- Maps & efficiency moat: The lane‑level GPS pilot suggests Grab is doubling down on mapping and navigation as a cost and experience lever, potentially improving driver routing, pickup precision, and cancellations over time. [16]
- Autonomy runway: The Vay stake complements recent AV‑adjacent partnerships, signalling a portfolio approach to future mobility (human + remote + autonomous). Watch for milestone disclosures linked to the extra $350M. [17]
- Shareholder engagement: With AGM on Dec 5, investors get a scheduled forum to press management on M&A posture, AV strategy, and profitability targets heading into 2026. [18]
Related coverage & sources cited
- SoftBank move at GoTo / merger speculation: Bloomberg; GoTo statement via Dow Jones. [19]
- Government context: Reuters (Indonesia acknowledges ongoing discussions). [20]
- GrabMaps lane‑level GPS pilot: Grab newsroom; ComputerWeekly. [21]
- Vay investment: Reuters; Vay press release. [22]
- Q3 results & outlook: Grab Q3 2025 earnings release (PDF). [23]
- AGM details: Grab IR announcement. [24]
Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Always do your own research.
References
1. www.bloomberg.com, 2. www.grab.com, 3. investors.grab.com, 4. www.reuters.com, 5. www.bloomberg.com, 6. www.morningstar.com, 7. www.reuters.com, 8. www.techinasia.com, 9. www.grab.com, 10. www.computerweekly.com, 11. investors.grab.com, 12. www.reuters.com, 13. vay.io, 14. investors.grab.com, 15. www.bloomberg.com, 16. www.grab.com, 17. www.reuters.com, 18. investors.grab.com, 19. www.bloomberg.com, 20. www.reuters.com, 21. www.grab.com, 22. www.reuters.com, 23. investors.grab.com, 24. investors.grab.com
