American Express Moves to Acquire to Add TheFork to Its Global Dining Portfolio

TECHNOLOGY

6/15/20262 min read

American Express announces plan to acquire TheFork, a major player in European restaurant reservations.

A Strategic Expansion of Amex’s Global Dining Platform

American Express has long positioned dining as a core pillar of its brand experience. The proposed acquisition of TheFork would accelerate that strategy by integrating a powerful digital platform with deep consumer engagement and a strong restaurant network.

TheFork’s footprint spans major European markets including France, Spain, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Its technology enables diners to search, book, and review restaurants seamlessly, capabilities that align with Amex’s broader goal of offering premium, frictionless lifestyle services.

The company emphasized that bringing TheFork into the Amex ecosystem would:

  • Expand dining access for millions of Card Members

  • Strengthen Amex’s relationships with restaurants across Europe

  • Enhance digital tools for both diners and restaurant operators

  • Support long‑term growth in travel, dining, and lifestyle services

What This Means for Restaurants and Diners

For restaurants, the proposed acquisition would combine TheFork’s reservation and management technology with American Express’s global customer base and marketing capabilities. This could create new opportunities for visibility, loyalty engagement, and operational efficiency.

For diners, especially Amex Card Members, the integration would unlock:

  • More reservation options across Europe

  • Exclusive dining experiences and offers

  • Enhanced digital booking tools

  • A more unified global dining journey

American Express noted that TheFork’s platform complements its existing dining benefits, including Global Dining Access by Resy, which has become a major differentiator for premium Card Members.

A Natural Fit With Amex’s Lifestyle and Travel Strategy

The announcement underscores American Express’s continued investment in travel, dining, and premium experiences, categories that have seen strong demand among its global customer base. TheFork’s leadership in Europe aligns with Amex’s strategy to expand its lifestyle ecosystem beyond payments and into everyday digital engagement.

TheFork CEO Alberto Yates and his leadership team are expected to join American Express upon closing, ensuring continuity and expertise as the platform enters its next phase of growth.

What Comes Next

The proposed acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Until the transaction is finalized, TheFork will continue operating independently.

If approved, the deal would mark one of American Express’s most significant expansions in the dining category, positioning the company as a global leader in restaurant discovery, booking, and customer experience.

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