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.
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