Booking Holdings

The EU court in Luxembourg upheld the 2023 prohibition by the European Commission that prevents Booking from taking over the flight portal E-Traveli. The judges argued that a merger would significantly impede competition in the European Economic Area and further cement Booking’s dominant market position, for example through stronger bargaining power against hotels and higher commissions. Booking had cited efficiency gains, which the court did not consider sufficient to offset the effects. The company is reviewing a possible appeal to the European Court of Justice and says the decision is wrong. » Altro su sueddeutsche.de

The EU General Court in Luxembourg confirmed the European Commission's 2023 decision that Booking's takeover of eTraveli would significantly impede competition. Regulators feared higher hotel prices and increased use of the Booking platform for bundled flight-and-hotel bookings. Booking cited efficiency gains, but the court did not consider these compensatory. An appeal to the European Court of Justice is still possible; the Booking share reacted only slightly weaker. » Altro su finanzen.net

The Court of Justice of the European Union dismissed Booking’s challenge to the European Commission’s decision, thereby upholding the ban on the roughly $1.9 billion takeover of eTraveli. The stock fell about 5% as investors reassessed the risks and costs of building up airline inventory organically. The ruling heightens antitrust concerns over Booking’s market position and hits the company on top of reduced growth forecasts and a weak market environment. » Altro su de.investing.com