Kayak Is Shopping for a Metasearch Acquisition in Europe
Photo Credit: Kayak CEO Steve Hafner is shopping for a metasearch acquisition in Europe to add to the Priceline Group company's portfolio. Kayak
Skift Take
It's clear there is going to be further consolidation in online travel in Europe after Ctrip swooped in and acquired Skyscanner. Momondo would be a nice addition – not a game-changer for Kayak – and a deal could happen if the number-crunchers on both sides have a meeting of the minds.
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
