Preliminary issues of Expedia’s application to acquire Wotif

Statement of preliminary issues for Expedia’s application to acquire Wotif

The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from Expedia Inc. (Expedia) seeking clearance to acquire up to 100% of the shares of Wotif.com Holdings Limited (Wotif).

The statement of preliminary issues outlines the key competition issues that the Commission currently considers will be important in deciding whether or not to grant clearance.

The Commission invites submissions from parties who consider that they have information relevant to the Commission’s consideration of this matter. Submissions can be sent to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference Expedia/Wotif in the subject line of your email or to PO Box 2351, Wellington 6140 by close of business Wednesday 20 August 2014.

You can find the Statement of Preliminary Issues and the public version of the application on the Clearances Register here: www.comcom.govt.nz/business-competition/mergers-and-acquisitions/clearances/clearances-register/

Background
Expedia is a global travel agency that provides online and telephone booking services for accommodation, flights, vacation packages, car hire and other retail travel products. Expedia’s websites include Expedia.co.nz, Hotels.com and Trivago.co.nz.

Wotif is an Australian-based travel agency that provides online booking services for accommodation, flights, travel packages and other travel products. Wotif’s websites include Wotif.com and Lastminute.com.au.

ENDS

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