Lastminute.com goes Down Under

Lastminute.com has launched an Australian version of its Web-based bucket-shop.

The Antipodean venture has been set up in conjunction with Aussie travel site, travel.com.au.

Brent Hoberman, Chief Executive Officer of lastminute.com, said: "The launch of lastminute.com Australia is a major step forward in our business strategy, fully developing Australia as a destination for all of our world-wide customers as well as building a vibrant local business.

Earlier this week Lastminute.com announced it had bought France's biggest e-travel company, Degriftour Group, in a £58.9 million cash and share deal, making it Britain's biggest dotcom. ®