EU set to block Booking’s purchase of Etraveli

Regulators are concerned deal would consolidate US travel site’s market position and hurt rivals

Sep 5, 2023

According to sources with inside information, European Union regulators are on the verge of denying US online travel giant Booking Holdings' €1.63bn bid to acquire Sweden's Etraveli Group. Their main apprehension revolves around the potential consolidation of Booking's market dominance and its potential adverse effects on competitors.

Key takeaways

In November 2021, Booking made public its intention to purchase Etraveli, the parent company of popular brands like Gotogate and Mytrip, currently under the ownership of private equity heavyweight CVC.

EU regulators harbor concerns that the merger between Booking and the specialized flights-only Etraveli Group would lead to an even more pronounced monopoly in the travel industry, which could negatively impact other industry players.

This decision stands in contrast to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, which greenlit the acquisition a year ago.

Get the full story at the Financial Times

Related must-reads

JOIN 34,000+ HOTELIERS

Get our Daily Brief in your inbox

Consumers are changing the face of hospitality - from online shopping to personalized guest journeys and digitalized guest experiences ...
we've got you covered.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive email communication from Hospitality.today and its partners.