DoorDash has a ‘LinkedIn message’ for employees as it spends $17B on Instacart
DoorDash has implemented a strict policy prohibiting employees from connecting with Instacart staff on LinkedIn during their pending $17 billion acquisition. The move is designed to prevent 'gun-jumping' and ensure compliance with antitrust regulations.
Why it matters
This highlights the legal complexities and restrictive communication protocols companies must follow during high-stakes mergers to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
DoorDash has told its employees not to add Instacart staff on LinkedIn while its $17 billion acquisition of the grocery delivery company waits for approval. The instruction sits in an internal question-and-answer document that DoorDash filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 29, the day the deal was announced. When employees ask if they can connect with Instacart colleagues on LinkedIn, the answer is short: "Not at this time."The rule works both ways. DoorDash staff cannot send new connection requests to Instacart workers or accept theirs, "even if you have a prior relationship." Existing connections can stay. If someone from Instacart does reach out, the company has a ready-made reply: "Congrats! Looking forward to connecting after the deal closes." Anything beyond that needs a nod from the legal team.
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