|
In the wake of of Ctrip acquiring Skyscanner and Trivago executing an initial public offering and modestly increasing its bankroll, Kayak, which is part of the Priceline Group, is shopping for a metasearch acquisition in Europe and is talking to the Momondo Group about a potential acquisition, Skift has learned.
The depth of the discussions with Momondo Group, which owns metasearch sites Momondo and Cheapflights, isn’t certain and Kayak officials likely are talking to other potential targets, as well. Companies on the prowl such as Kayak talk to a lot of companies about deals from time to time. For example, the Priceline Group and Kayak undoubtedly considered acquiring Skyscanner at various times before China’s Ctrip swooped in.
Momondo Group CEO Hugo Burge declined to comment on any merger and acquisition issues.
When asked if Kayak was in the process of acquiring Momondo or (less likely) Liligo/eDreams, Kayak co-founder and CEO Steve Hafner told Skift: “We don’t have a deal to buy anyone but we’re all ears to anyone who wants to sell at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, Ctrip/Skyscanner and Trivago seem to have inflated expectations. Obviously I can’t speak for any of the potential sellers that you mention. Maybe someone else is on the hunt?”
Notice how Hafner parses his words: That wasn’t an outright denial of engagement with, and interest in, Momondo. It could also be seen as a not-so-veiled attempt to get the seller to lower its price.
|
