BlaBlaCar to drive growth with BeepCar acquisition

Deal comes amid partnership with BeepCar owner Mail.Ru Group, the largest internet business in Russia by daily audience Continue reading →

Carpooling platform BlaBlaCar is driving growth by acquiring Russian counterpart BeepCar.

The deal comes as part of a partnership reached with BeepCar owner Mail.Ru Group, the largest internet business in Russia by daily audience.

BlaBlaCar has committed to further promote carpooling through Mail.Ru Group platforms.

BeepCar traffic will be redirected to BlaBlaCar from the autumn, driving advertising revenue for Mail.Ru Group.

Mail.Ru Group will continue to focus on developing its larger verticals – food delivery, classifieds, cross-border trade and taxi ride-hailing services.

BlaBlaCar gained a foothold in Russia in 2014, quickly becoming the largest carpooling service in the country.

Russia has since become BlaBlaCar’s largest market, with more than 15 million members out of a global community of over 65 million.

BeepCar has seen solid growth in both users and booked rides, with total app downloads reaching more than five million in the second quarter of the year across Russia.

BlaBlaCar co-founder and chief executive, Nicolas Brusson, said: “Today’s news forms part of a wider strategy to consolidate BlaBlaCar’s international growth.

“Through this acquisition, we are doubling down our commitment to develop carpooling in Russia, and to address growing Russian demand for a convenient and reliable long-distance mobility solution.”