Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG)

Booking urges national watchdogs not to back EU antitrust veto on ETraveli deal

Booking Holdings has taken its fight against an imminent EU antitrust veto of its proposed 1.63 billion euro ($1.7 billion) purchase of Swedish peer ETraveli Group to national watchdogs, telling them not to endorse the EU regulator's decision. The European Commission will announce its decision next week, underlining its concerns that the deal could expand Booking's ecosystem of travel services which include flights, accommodation, car rentals and attractions. "The draft decision applies the wrong legal framework and is unlawful," Booking said in a briefing paper to national competition authorities dated Sept. 8 and seen by Reuters.