Google Announces ITA Acquisition

Google has agreed to buy ITA Software for $700 million in cash. Assuming regulatory approval, the search giant plans to launch "new flight search tools" to ease consumer flight and schedule shopping using ITA's flagship QPX product, which a number of airlines and distributors use. But Google stated it has "no plans" sell airline tickets; instead it would push users "quickly to a site where you can buy your ticket," such as an online travel agency or airline Web site.