Expedia Group set to acquire travel tech company CarTrawler
Dublin-based travel technology company CarTrawler is set to be acquired by global travel giant Expedia Group in a deal that further strengthens Ireland’s position in the international travel tech sector.
The acquisition, which is expected to complete in the second half of 2026 subject to customary closing conditions, will see Expedia expand its B2B travel platform into car rental, ground transport and travel insurance technology.
Founded and headquartered in Dublin, CarTrawler provides car rental, mobility and Insurtech solutions to the global travel industry through its proprietary Connect Platform.
The business links more than 550 car rental suppliers and over 500 mobility providers with more than 300 travel brands worldwide, including over 70 airlines.
The company has grown significantly in recent years as airlines and travel companies increasingly seek ancillary revenue opportunities and integrated transport offerings for customers.
The deal marks a strategic move for Expedia Group as it looks to build what it describes as “the most complete B2B travel platform”.
CarTrawler chief executive Peter O’Donovan said the acquisition reflected the company’s growth trajectory and the strength of its technology platform.
“CarTrawler’s acquisition by Expedia Group is a testament to the strength of our technology, the drive of our people, our track record of innovation and our accelerating commercial momentum,” he said.
“This exciting combination allows us to advance our mission as part of travel’s best and most complete B2B engine, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth.”
Expedia has been expanding its B2B operations beyond accommodation services as it seeks to create a broader travel marketplace for partners and customers.
Last year, the company acquired ticketing platform Tiqets as part of that strategy.
Alfonso Paredes, President B2B & Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia Group, said the CarTrawler acquisition represented another major step in that expansion plan.
“Adding CarTrawler now extends that same strategy into car rentals, ground transport and Insurtech,” he said.
“CarTrawler’s focus and differentiated expertise in these areas complements our strengths in B2B scale and technology, enabling us to massively amplify our joint value proposition to partners, suppliers, and travellers.”
Peter O'Donovan, CarTrawler chief executive
Private equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners, which invested in CarTrawler in 2020 during the Covid-19 downturn in the travel sector, also welcomed the deal.
Gordon Holmes, Chief Investment Officer at TowerBrook, said the company had exceeded expectations following the pandemic recovery.
“The performance over the last six years, driven by innovation and commercial excellence, has exceeded all expectations,” he said.
“We are proud of our association with CarTrawler and wish CarTrawler and Expedia Group continued success in this exciting next phase.”
The transaction is expected to create additional growth opportunities for travel partners, suppliers and customers by combining CarTrawler’s specialist mobility technology with Expedia’s global B2B reach.
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