Uber has reportedly held talks about a multi-billion dollar acquisition of electric scooter startups Bird and Lime.
The Information originally reported Uber's interest in the buzzy scooter firms, while sources familiar with all three companies told the Financial Times that the talks are still at an early stage.
The Information said a deal for either company could help Uber alleviate scooter supply constraints after launching its Jump brand of two-wheeled vehicles in October.
Bird and Lime are both unicorns — tech companies valued at over $1 billion — and both have expanded internationally this year.
Uber declined to comment when contacted by the FT, and Lime did not comment directly on the talks. Bird's CEO told the FT in a statement: "Bird is not for sale."
Uber has been exploring multiple acquisitions this year, acquiring e-bike company Jump Bikes in April, and reportedly attempting to acquire British food delivery firm Deliveroo.
Business Insider contacted Uber, Bird, and Lime for comment.
See Also:
- 'We have screwed up': Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says in an all-hands meeting that the company deserves some fault after its self-driving car killed a pedestrian
- Uber's plan to buy UK delivery giant Deliveroo has stalled, with the 2 sides said to be 'miles apart' on valuation
- Uber was just fined nearly $1.2 million over the giant 2016 data hack
SEE ALSO: E-scooters are sending dozens of people to emergency rooms — and the companies appear to have a double standard when it comes to safety