Move it Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Grab's acquisition of Move It marks a significant development in the motorcycle taxi industry. Announced on August 5, 2022, this strategic move aims to enhance service quality and expand the fleet size, benefiting Filipino commuters. By integrating Move It into its operations, Grab is set to bolster its market presence and drive innovation in the sector.

What Is Move it?

Founded in 2025, Move It is a transportation service provider in the Philippines, offering ride-hailing services and booking booths for easy access. Its unique selling points include the "7 Taos-Pusong Pangako ng Move It," which are seven heartfelt promises to commuters, and the "Mas Murang Rides Guarantee," ensuring cheaper rides with free vouchers if a lower fare is found. Additionally, Move It features "AD Vests," an innovative advertising program for rider-partners.

Who Acquired Move it?

Grab is a leading super app in Southeast Asia, providing a comprehensive range of services that cater to daily needs. Its key offerings include transportation, food delivery (GrabFood), grocery delivery (GrabMart), package delivery (GrabExpress), and financial services such as GrabPay and insurance products. Additionally, Grab offers loyalty programs through GrabRewards and fraud management solutions via GrabDefence. The company holds a dominant market position, significantly influencing the region's digital economy and fintech landscape.

When Was Move it Acquired?

Grab announced its acquisition of Move It on August 5, 2022. This move came at a time when the ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi industry in Southeast Asia was experiencing significant growth and competition. The acquisition aligns with industry trends of consolidation and expansion, where larger companies acquire smaller players to enhance service offerings and market reach. Additionally, the timing reflects a strategic response to the increasing demand for safe and reliable transportation options in urban areas.

Why Was Move it Acquired?

Market Expansion: Grab's acquisition of Move It allows it to enter the motorcycle taxi market in the Philippines, significantly expanding its market presence beyond its existing services in rides, delivery, food, and retail. This strategic move helps Grab serve more commuters and create at least 6,000 meaningful income opportunities for driver-partners within three months.

Technology Integration: Although Move It will continue to operate as a separate entity using its own platform, the acquisition implies potential future technology integration opportunities. Move It will benefit from Grab's innovation and economies of scale, likely enhancing its service quality through better app functionality, improved logistics, and enhanced customer service.

Competitive Advantage: The acquisition strengthens Grab's position in the motorcycle taxi market by enabling it to scale Move It's fleet significantly. Grab plans to add at least 6,000 more partner-riders to Move It's existing fleet, aiming to maximize its allotment of 7,000 riders in the pilot study. This expansion, coupled with Grab's focus on safety and service quality, provides a competitive edge against other players like Angkas.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: The acquisition price was less than PHP1 billion.
• Payment Method: The payment method was not publicly disclosed.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • Move It will continue to operate as a separate entity and will not be merged with Grab.
  • Compliance with the motorcycle taxi pilot study’s regulations is required.
  • Both parties have reached out to the Senate and the House of Representatives to discuss legal issues concerning the transaction.
  • Grab plans to scale Move It's fleet to maximize its allotment of 7,000 riders in the pilot study.
  • Francis Juan will continue to lead Move It as chairman.
  • The acquisition complied with the law and all required approvals were obtained.
  • Move It will remain under the supervision of the MC Taxi TWG and will continue to abide by MC Taxi Guidelines, especially concerning the safety and welfare of consumers.
  • The accreditation given by the TWG to Move It is not transferred to Grab.
  • The acquisition is not anti-competitive as Grab is not offering motorcycle ride-hailing services.
  • The acquisition is considered pro-competitive and pro-consumer, aiming to improve competition and meet the increasing demand for motorcycle taxis.

Impact on Move it

The acquisition of Move It by Grab has led to several operational and managerial changes. Despite the acquisition, Move It continues to operate independently, maintaining its existing technology and app. Francis Juan remains at the helm as Chairman, ensuring continuity in leadership. This operational independence allows Move It to comply with the Department of Transportation's Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Program standards while benefiting from Grab's resources and support. The strategic move aims to scale Move It's fleet significantly, enhancing its market presence and service efficiency.

In terms of product offerings and services, the acquisition has enabled Move It to expand its motorcycle taxi fleet from fewer than 1,000 to at least 7,000 riders. This expansion is expected to improve service availability and quality, aligning with Grab's high standards across Southeast Asia. Employee reactions have been positive, with leadership expressing optimism about the potential for growth and improved livelihood opportunities. Customers are likely to benefit from enhanced service quality and increased availability of motorcycle taxis, addressing the growing demand for reliable transportation options in urban areas.

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