Italy Launches Antitrust Investigation into Booking Holdings Over Suspected Unfair Business Practices in Ranking System

Stock News04-22

Italian antitrust regulators announced on Wednesday that they have initiated an investigation into Booking Holdings (BKNG.US) and two of its subsidiaries. The probe focuses on suspected unfair commercial behavior related to the platform's hotel ranking mechanism. In a statement, the regulatory authority indicated that the online travel platform operates a "Preferred Partner" program. Accommodation providers enrolled in this program receive more prominent placement and higher visibility in search results, with selection criteria allegedly favoring businesses that pay higher commissions to Booking. The investigation involves Booking.com B.V., Booking.com International B.V., and Booking.com (Italy) S.r.l. On Tuesday, with assistance from Italy's financial police, the antitrust authority conducted on-site inspections at the offices of Booking's Italian subsidiary. So far, Booking has not issued a response to the matter.

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