Description

Announced EU Commission investigation into Booking proposed acquisition of eTraveli

On 16 November 2022, the European Commission announced opening an investigation into the proposed acquisition of Flugo Group Holdings AB, trading as eTraveli, by Booking Holdings. The Commission stated that the acquisition could strengthen Booking's position in the market for online travel agencies (OTAs) that provide accommodation services. Both Booking and eTraveli offer OTA services, with Booking also involved in metasearch services through its platform KAYAK. The preliminary investigation suggests that the acquisition may lead to lessening competition, higher entry barriers for rival OTAs, and potential foreclosure strategies against competing flight OTAs.

Original source

Scope

Policy Area
Competition
Policy Instrument
Merger control regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
platform intermediary: other
Implementation Level
supranational
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
competition authority

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2022-11-16
under deliberation

On 16 November 2022, the European Commission announced opening an investigation into the proposed a…

2023-06-09
under investigation

On 9 June 2023, the European Commission announced that it had sent Booking a Statement of Objection…

2023-09-25
in force

On 25 September 2023, the EU Commission blocked Booking's proposed acquisition of eTraveli under th…

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