BKNG · News · 20260909N

Acquisition / Partnership / Divestiture

Booking Holdings Inc. · 2026-09-09 · Importance 71 · Surprise 60 · In source text

Booking Holdings lost its legal challenge to the European Commission’s veto of its proposed €1.63 billion acquisition of ETraveli Group. The EU General Court upheld the Commission’s conclusion that the transaction would strengthen Booking’s dominant position in online travel agencies and raise barriers to entry. Booking said it disagreed with the ruling and is considering an appeal to the European Court of Justice, leaving the acquisition blocked unless the appeal succeeds.

Key facts

• Booking Holdings Inc. has lost its legal challenge against the EU's antitrust veto of its €1.63 billion acquisition of ETraveli. source
• Europe's second-highest court sided with the European Commission, which had argued the deal would strengthen Booking's dominant position and harm competition in the online travel agency market. source
• Booking Holdings initially announced the €1.6 billion acquisition of Etraveli in late 2021. source
• Booking Holdings expressed disappointment with the court outcome and is considering an appeal to Europe's top court. source
• Booking Holdings reiterated a disciplined capital allocation strategy focused on organic investments, share repurchases, and selective M&A. source
• Booking Holdings said its capital allocation strategy aims for continued growth and improved operational margins. source

Impact estimates