Grab demands strong control by founder in Gojek merger

Tan 'CEO for life' bid spurs investor backlash in talks between ASEAN unicorns

20201224 Gojek and Grab drivers

Southeast Asian super apps Grab and Gojek have been in merger talks for nearly a year, with investors on both sides now aggressively pursuing a deal. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

WATARU SUZUKI and SHOTARO TANI, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO/JAKARTA -- Singapore-based unicorn Grab has requested that founder Anthony Tan be the de facto "CEO for life" of a potential merged entity with Gojek, its Indonesia-based rival, as both Southeast Asian "superapps" press ahead with talks to settle their differences and join hands, Nikkei Asia has learned.

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