Expedia-Uber Deal? No Way, Says Barry Diller

Skift Take

Even if Uber-Expedia was the right deal — and that was dubious — it was the wrong time.

Dennis Schaal

Barry Diller, Expedia Group’s chairman and senior executive, this week ruled out an Expedia sale to Uber — or to anyone else at this time.

Diller’s comments on CNBC were in response to a report in the Financial Times last month that Uber had explored a takeover bid.

“I don’t think it’s in Expedia’s interest,” said Diller about a sale of the company. “Expedia is now beginning a period, I think of real growth and now, for I think the first time in some time, has got a great leader who’s doing every right thing with the company.”

Expedia Group has been through a challenging stretch and has lowered forecasts at different points this year. New CEO Ariane Gorin, who took over in May, has reinvigorated Expedia.com, is positioning Vrbo to compete against Airbnb in urban areas, and is trying to expand the…