Expedia and CarTrawler May Be Close to a Deal Following a Meeting in Dublin: Scoop
Photo Credit: CarTrawler's Dublin headquarters. CarTrawler
Skift Take
Is Expedia reverting to the deal appetite it displayed in 2015 when it acquired Travelocity, Orbitz and Homeaway? After acquiring Tiqets in February, Expedia could be looking to make another B2B move.
The CarTrawler leadership team and its owner TowerBrook Capital Partners met at Dublin headquarters last week with Expedia Group and investment bank Evercore, according to an industry source aware of the meeting.
CarTrawler, which is privately held, is a B2B provider of car rentals, other ground transportation, and insurtech to more than 300 travel brands in 150+ countries.
A deal with CarTrawler would help address the weakness in Expedia's car-rental business for partners. Unlike hotels, where Expedia B2B is strong, car rentals are a highly consolidated, complex business with stiff competition from car-rental brand websites.
Expedia and CarTrawler have been partners for years. A deal would help Expedia's B2B arm bundle lodging, airport transfers, rides, and insurance offers in a one-stop shop for Expedia's airline, travel agency, financial institution, and loyalty program partners.
A total acquisition of CarTrawler could see the company valu
