Sabre says it is exploring 'strategic options' for Lastminute.com following more than a week of speculation that the UK-based business was up for sale.
An announced from the global distribution giant says the review includes a potential sale and confirms that investment bank Houlihan Lokey has been retained to advise on options.
In a statement Sabre's chief executive Tom Klein says lastminute is now:
"perfectly positioned to unlock its full growth and profitability potential."
He describes the business as an 'iconic brand and innovative marketer' which has been able to enhance its technology and operations as part of Sabre.
Sabre acquired lastminute in 2005 for £577 million and says its decision to look at options is in line with Sabre's strategy to focus on its core business.
A separate statement from lastminute chief Matthew Crummack says 'no one does last minute' like it does and that the company has a clear strategy to 'be the champion of last minute travel.'