“This case is important because these practices were facilitated through an anti-competitive use of Delivery Hero’s minority stake in Glovo,” said Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera in a statement.
The case marks the first time the Commission has fined a company for breaking the EU’s cartel rules around no-poach agreements signed with a competitor. Specifically, the firms agreed to hold off from recruiting white-collar employees from their rival. The no-poach agreements did not cover delivery riders.
“It is also the first time the Commission is sanctioning a no-poach agreement, where companies stop competing for the best talent and reduce opportunities for workers,” Ribera.
Both companies admitted their involvement and agreed to settle the case, leading to a 10 percent reduction in their fines. Delivery Hero was fined €223 million, while Glovo received a €106 million penalty. Glovo has operated as a subsidiary of Delivery Hero since the 2022 merger.