The Third Pig

Traders Bet on Google to Buy Expedia

http://www.brickfinancial.com/thethirdpig/archive/2008/04/traders_bet_on_google_to_buy_e.html

Posted by Ben Taylor on April 3, 2008 02:28 PM

ExpediaTraders sent shares of Expedia (EXPE) up by about 15% over the last couple of days amid rumors that Google (GOOG) would be interested in purchasing the internet travel company. Certainly Google has the muscle to do it. But the company has not been agressive in acquiring e-commerce companies. Thus an acquisition of the travel company would represent a, albeit slight, departure from Google's current expansion modus operandi.

I find it interesting however that the companies did not outright deny they were in talks. A WSJ article (subscription needed) confirms the companies' reluctance to address the issue. Their respective silence seems slightly conspicuous to me. Definitely something to keep an eye on.

Disclosure: I and the clients of Brick Financial Management, LLC owned shares of Google at the time of this writing and do not currently but have owned shares of Expedia.

Posted by Ben Taylor on April 3, 2008 02:28 PM

Disclaimer
The information contained on Brick Financial Management’s web site is solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be relied upon as a source of investment advice. While every effort has been made to offer the most current and correct information possible, inadvertent errors can occur. Although Brick Financial believes the information and data in this report were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct, we cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. No commentary that appears here, or any opinions expressed herein, should be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to acquire any securities or other investments mentioned herein. Persons associated with this firm may own or have an interest in securities or investments mentioned in this presentation. Their positions may change from time to time and they may buy or sell such securities or investments. Past returns are no guarantee of future performance.