14 DAY TRIAL // The proposed ITA acquisition has dragged on for ages now, as the DOJ investigates whether Google's plans are anti-competitive. And, with authorities seemingly bent on getting something on the search giant, after a few narrow escapes, it looks like this is the deal that will get Google into trouble. That is, unless it manages to negotiate with the DOJ and reach an agreement.
The latest reports say that the two sides are now in heated negotiations that could go either way. The US Department of Justice doesn't really like the deal, but it could be persuaded if Google were to make several concessions. Competitors on the other hand have been harder to placate.
Politico reports that the DoJ is more than willing to take Google to court to block the deal. It's main concerns are about the licensing of ITA software, which is used by many in the online travel industry including air lines.
At the very least, Google has to ensure that it will continue to offer the software to its existing customers and not use it to undermine their businesses.
Google is working hard to avoid going to court and is, apparently, willing to make the concessions necessary to get the acquisition approved.
Apparently, a deal between the two sides could come very soon, within days, but talks are still in a volatile place and may fall apart.
Google announced its intentions to buy ITA in July last year. ITA provides air travel software and services to a number of players in the travel industry, including dedicated travel search engines.
A number of companies and groups formed the FairSearch organization to oppose the acquisition. While the DOJ is more concerned with the licensing of the ITA software, the group fears that Google could use its dominance in the search space to push out competitors.