- 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. 1
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. 5
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. 6
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. 7
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. 2
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. 8
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). 3
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. 4
Vay confirmed the agreement and timeline in its own release, noting the investment is expected to close in Q4 2025 pending approvals. 9
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. 10
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. 1
- 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. 2
- 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. 4
- 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. 3
Related coverage & sources cited
- SoftBank move at GoTo / merger speculation: Bloomberg; GoTo statement via Dow Jones. 1
- Government context: Reuters (Indonesia acknowledges ongoing discussions). 6
- GrabMaps lane‑level GPS pilot: Grab newsroom; ComputerWeekly. 2
- Vay investment: Reuters; Vay press release. 4
- Q3 results & outlook: Grab Q3 2025 earnings release (PDF). 10
- AGM details: Grab IR announcement. 3
Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Always do your own research.
