Priceline Group CEO: We Have Slightly Different Approach From Expedia In Acquiring Large Businesses

The Priceline Group Inc PCLN recently issued its second Euro bond offering. Darren Huston, The Priceline Group CEO, was on CNBC to discuss the offering and how the company's acquisition strategy is different from rival Expedia Inc EXPE.

The Bond Offering
"We just did a Euro bond offering that we are really proud of at 1.8 percent, it's helping to balance our balance sheets, exposure that we have and we think it's a great raise and helps us bring money back into the United States as well," Huston said.

Currency Headwinds Temporary
On how the currency headwinds are affecting the company, Huston said, "I think first of all currency obviously is a very important factor in any global business. After Priceline, our currency issues are largely a translation effect and I think now the market really understands that and those affects therefore are temporary, but the underlying health of our business."

"We continue to grow at over 20 percent. We continue to grow very profitably, we are preserving our margins and we continue to be very bullish about online travel and the outlook for our various brands around the world."

Acquisitions
Huston was also asked about the smaller value acquisitions that the company is doing compared to Expedia acquiring Orbitz for $1.2 billion. He replied, "I can't really speak for Expedia, but I do think we have a slightly different approach for both very large businesses, but even if you put Expedia and the Priceline Group together, we make up less than 10 percent of the total travel opportunity. Our focus has really been on premium brands and things that can add benefit to the group overall."