Expedia's Acquisition Engine Rumbles: Is CarTrawler Next?

Expedia's Dealmaking Is Back: CarTrawler In Its Sights?

Expedia's acquisition engine, which roared to life in its powerhouse year of 2015, seems to be firing up again. Industry insiders suggest the online travel giant is closing in on a significant deal: car rental distribution powerhouse CarTrawler.

Sources close to the negotiations point to a key meeting in Dublin that’s cleared the path for the potential agreement. If it goes through, this isn't just another big play; it’s a clear signal of Expedia’s sharpened focus on its business-to-business (B2B) capabilities.

And it wouldn't be the first backend expansion this year. Just in February, the company quietly acquired Tiqets, a move that also beefed up its B2B offerings. These consecutive deals paint a clear picture: Expedia’s appetite for growth through strategic buyouts? It’s definitely back.

Remember 2015? That was Expedia’s landmark shopping spree, gobbling up consumer-facing giants like Travelocity, Orbitz, and HomeAway. This time, though, the ambition feels different. Instead of simply adding more consumer brands, the strategy appears to be integrating the core operational components that power the whole travel ecosystem.

Bringing CarTrawler into the fold would significantly expand Expedia’s reach in the ground transportation sector. It'd let them deepen their offerings and potentially streamline operations across all their platforms. This isn't just about consumer eyeballs; it's a renewed push to fortify their infrastructure and diversify revenue streams well beyond those familiar booking portals.

So, is Expedia truly back to its deal-hungry ways? All signs point to a resounding yes. The integration of Tiqets, combined with the strong likelihood of CarTrawler joining, shows a company determined to cement its position—not just with travelers directly, but deep inside the complex machinery of global travel distribution.