Google to buy ITA for $700m
Google plans to buy ITA Software for $700m in cash, but conceded that combining its Internet search with ITA’s service, widely used by the travel industry, is sure to draw regulatory scrutiny. Google’s foray into the business of online travel information allows the Internet advertising and search leader to target users more specifically. But it has unnerved industry players worried that Google could end up wielding too much influence. Google executives called the deal “pro-competitive” and “pro-consumer” but said it expects regulators to examine the deal.