The U.K.’s Competition & Markets Authority ruled against
Sabre’s acquisition of Farelogix on Thursday,
a few days day after Sabre was victorious
in the lawsuit brought against it by the Department of Justice.
In its final report on the proposed acquisition, the U.K.’s competition authority said the acquisition would result in
lessened competition in the supply of merchandising solutions to airlines, which
would result in “reduced customer choice, fewer new features and upgrades being
released more slowly.”
The authority also said the acquisition would reduce
competition between Sabre and other travel distribution technology companies, resulting in
higher prices.
“We are disappointed by the CMA’s findings, particularly in
light of the U.S. federal court’s ruling, which found that Sabre’s acquisition
of Farelogix is not anticompetitive and should not be prohibited,” Sabre said
in a statement. “We are reviewing the CMA’s findings and will carefully
consider our options.”