Hellman’s WRI buys HostelBookers.com
Hellman & Friedman-backed Web Reservations International (WRI) has acquired HostelBookers.com.
The deal comes after an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading, which looked into the potential dominance of the enlarged group over the budget accommodation market. The transaction was ultimately not referred to the Competition Commission.
Previous investment
Hellman & Friedman acquired WRI in November 2009. Dublin-based WRI operates through the Hostelworld online brand, hostels.com, boo.com, bedandbreakfast.com and trav.com.
Company
HostelBookers.com is an online travel agency headquartered in London. It specialises in budget accommodation, primarily hostels.
People
Feargal Mooney is CEO of WRI.
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