# data[].attributes.body
Entrepreneurship

Microsoft executives, which is led by Richard Barton proposes an idea to make an online travel booking service. The goal is to allow costumers to book hotels, flights and car rentals online without needing a travel agent. Later in 1996 Microsoft officially launches Expedia within Microsoft’s Interactive Media Group.

# data[].attributes.body
Capital

Microsoft parts ways with Expedia and recognizes it as a separate public company. Expedias IPO (initial public offering) raises about $72.8 million, valuing the company at around $800 million. Rich Barton becomes the first CEO of Expedia by guiding its growth as a company.

# data[].attributes.body
Media conglomerate USA Networks Inc. purchases 75% of Expedia for $1.5 billion. Barry Diller becomes the online firms chairman, while Richard Barton remains as the chief executive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
USA Networks yesterday agreed to buy a controlling stake in Microsoft-owned online travel booking business Expedia for $1.5 billion.

The media group is to purchase a 70% holding from Microsoft plus a further 5% from other shareholders, gaining in the process 90% of Expedia's voting shares. USA Networks high-profile owner Barry Diller will become the online firm's chairman, while Richard Barton will stay on as chief executive.

Although yet to make a profit, Expedia has proved a relative success in the beleaguered dotcom sector, with sales of $336 million last year.

USA Networks plans to launch a dedicated TV station, titled USA Travel Channel, later this year in order to differentiate itself from other online travel services. The Expedia purchase - as well as the acquisition of vacation package agency National Leisure Group, also announced yesterday - makes the media group the world's biggest interactive travel company, with gross yearly bookings of $4bn.

News sources: The Times (London); Financial Times

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
USA Networks to Acquire Expedia for $1.5bn | WARC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
USA Networks yesterday agreed to buy a controlling stake in Microsoft-owned online travel booking business Expedia for $1.5 billion. The media group is to purchase a 70% holding from Microsoft plus a further 5% from other shareholders, gaining in the process 90% of Expedia's voting shares.

# data[].attributes.body
USA Networks purchases the remaining 25% of Expedia for $3 billion, now owning 100% of the company. Expedias business model now evolves beyond just bookings. Their focus now is on integrating travel services and software.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We can’t tell if you’re a human or a bot.

# data[].attributes.body
In 2020 the pandemic affected global travel dramatically, leading to Expedia restructuring their business model. One thing they incorporated over this time was incorporating AI into their online booking. They keep improving their AI as time goes on to help improve their customer experience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We can’t tell if you’re a human or a bot.

# data[].attributes.body
Labor

Employees receive flexible work arrangements and travel benefits. Since COVID, many employees have moved to remote working, but like many tech companies they had to lay off about 3,000 employees during this time. Expedia also has strong relationships with transportation systems and hotels to offer the customer a wide range of options. They also collaborate with real estate professionals to make sure the listings are up to date.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expedia Group Employee Benefits | Built In San Francisco

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Official list of Expedia Group’s employee benefits. Find information on health insurance, vacation policy, retirement benefits, and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Land

Today, Expedia has offices in 15 countries, each office is designed for the location, culture and the travel industry. Their offices are designed to be an enthusiastic participant in the heart of the city for which they are located. In many ways, the buildings and offices reflect the excitement and adventure of global travel.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expedia Group Global Offices Built for Flexibility - Expedia Group | Careers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We empower you to discover a world of growth and potential, so you can transform travel for all.