Expedia was originally founded by Microsoft in 1995. The compan was then spun out from the software giant as an independent business in 1996. Expedia, Inc. first went public in 1999.
In 2001, USA Networks – now IAC/InterActiveCorp (IAC) – led by Barry Diller, bought a controlling stake in Expedia. Diller’s company bought the remaining stake in the company in 2002. IAC has acquired and built a collection of leading businesses in categories across the entire spectrum of interactive commerce. In July 2005, IAC separated into two publicly traded companies: Expedia, Inc., and IAC. Barry Diller remains chairman and senior executive of IAC, as well as chairman of Expedia, Inc.