Why the Grab-GoTo merger is likely a no-go

More: TikTok Shop under pressure again over Indonesian ecommerce regulations. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - [Why Grab and GoTo may be better off apart]( - Shopee’s alleged monopolistic practices in Indonesia - Other newsy highlights such as TikTok Shop still facing regulatory scrutiny in Indonesia --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} "We make peace with our enemies, not our friends.” — Tyrion Lannister. My favorite Game of Thrones character didn’t have a merger between two of Southeast Asia’s biggest tech players in mind when he uttered that line, but it still contains some pearls of wisdom for Grab and GoTo watchers. In some aspects, joining forces makes sense for these competitors. After all, they operate in the same sectors and would save a lot of money by not duking it out for market share. However, there’s a big hurdle to establishing peace between opponents: One side has to lose out first, forcing it to the negotiating table. As today’s premium story explores, neither GoTo nor Grab appears to be in a position where they desperately need a merger. We may still see these two rivals locked in battle for years to come. -- Peter --------------------------------------------------------------- THE BIG STORY [GoTo plus Grab: The merger that neither needs and regulators don’t want]( A potential merger can help improve both companies’ cash position. However, regulatory challenges may hinder the plan. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Indonesia probes Shopee over alleged monopolistic practices]( The ecommerce firm allegedly limits delivery choices by automatically directing users to affiliated shipping companies, particularly Shopee Xpress. [TikTok Shop still violates local regulations, Indonesia minister says]( Teten Masduki, the country’s minister of cooperatives and SMEs, said that TikTok Shop is still allowing direct transactions on social media. --------------------------------------------------------------- A TIA BOT OF YOUR OWN Meet TIA Bot, the lovable Tech in Asia writer that’s racking up the most subscriptions! You may know TIA Bot for its detailed articles on Asia’s startups and investors, but we bet you didn’t realize just how adorable it is. Now, you too can have a little piece of tech cuteness in your space. For just S$20, you can bring home a TIA Bot and call it your own. 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