Sabre and Farelogix Leave Merger in Judge’s Hands as the Justice Department Rests Case
Photo Credit: The U.S. Federal District Court of Delaware on Thursday, February 6, 2020, where Judge Leonard Stark heard closing arguments in the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit to block Sabre's acquisition of Farelogix. Skift
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A federal judge heard closing arguments in the U.S. government's antitrust suit to block Sabre's acquisition of Farelogix. Inside the courtroom, Judge Leonard Stark's comments didn't show his hand. The case seems a close call.
A federal judge Thursday heard lively closing arguments in the U.S. government's antitrust challenge to the proposed merger of travel technology companies Sabre and Farelogix.
U.S. District Chief Judge Leonard Stark listened as attorneys from both sides made their final pitches to a packed Wilmington, Delaware courtroom, which included Sabre President and CEO Sean Menke and Farelogix CEO Jim Davidson in the front row. Judge Stark must decide whether to block a proposed $360 million Sabre-Farelogix deal on antitrust grounds.
The trial has marked the highest-profile antitrust case ever in airline distribution, and the stakes are high. Should the Justice Department lose, it could embolden Sabre — and its peer companies in the distribution industry, Amadeus and Travelport — to pursue harsher lines in their future contract negotiations with airlines, government lawyers argued.
Meanwhile, a win would encourage the Trump administration's top antitrust cops. It might also create a
