Booking Holdings (BKNG) claimed that the European Commission failed to provide compelling evidence that its planned acquisition of eTraveli in 2021 would have damaged competition in the sector, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing a lawyer for the company.

The European Commission blocked the deal in September 2023, prompting the company to appeal against the decision subsequently in December.

Booking lawyer Daniel Beard said the Commission failed to properly evaluate market conditions with and without the merger, referring to its claims as "speculation," Reuters reported.

Booking did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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