Ride-hailing app Uber is holding talks regarding the acquisition of electric scooter startups Bird and Line, according to a report from the Financial Times.
The FT said according to sources familiar with all three companies, the talks were still at an early stage, but if confirmed, could result in a multi-billion dollar deal which would help Uber alleviate constraints on its scooter supply following the launch of its own scooter sharing service Jump in October.
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Bird and Lime are both unicorn firms, tech companies valued at over US$1bn, and have expanded internationally this year.
However, the FT said Uber and Lime had not commented on the talks, while the chief executive of Bird said the company was “not for sale”.
The rumoured talks are the latest in what has been a cycle of potential acquisition news for Uber, which was previously reported to be in talks to buy takeaway delivery firm Deliveroo to complement its own Uber Eats business.