Research Insights InPhocus, Episode 10 - Farelogix tells all on the failed Sabre deal

InPhocus, Episode 10 - Farelogix tells all on the failed Sabre deal

Published:
May 2020
Analyst:
Phocuswright Research


It was the deal that would supposedly help Sabre shape its quest to modernize airline distribution.

The November 2018 acquisition of Farelogix (coming in at $360 million) was touted as Sabre's way to "offer the innovative and comprehensive solutions that airlines require."

But it didn't turn out that way, as we now know. Regulators had other ideas.

In August last year the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block the acquisition, claiming it would eliminate competition that had "substantially benefited airlines and consumers."

Sabre dug in and went to court.

On April 7, a U.S. court decided in favor of the deal but then, just a few days later, a decision by the U.K.’s Competition & Markets Authority effectively killed the planned acquisition.

Sabre formally pulled the deal on May 1.

In this latest episode of InPhocus, PhocusWire's Kevin May talks to Jim Davidson, CEO of Farelogix, to get his take on the entire story, including the background to the deal, the court case, the decision to nix the acquisition two weeks ago and what's next for the business.