Skift Take
The European Commission's logic appears to be that any strengthening of Booking.com — even in its flights business — would bolster its grip on the hotel business. Deal or no deal, Booking is committed to expanding in flights.
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There is no doubt that Booking.com is the dominant hotel room seller among online travel agencies in Europe. It is also apparent that the European Commission is acutely focused on limiting Booking's grip.
But in delaying or potentially scuttling parent company Booking Holdings' still-pending November 2021 deal to acquire Swedish flights seller Etraveli Group for $1.8 billion, the Commission's logic appears to be skewed.
With a final decision due by August 30, the Commission issued a statement of objections to the proposed acquisition last month, arguing that the deal could strengthen Amsterdam-based Booking's position in hotels.