Global distribution system giants Amadeus and Travelport are being tipped to return to talks about a merger once they have both been publicly listed, according to weekend reports.

The Sunday Times reported on-off talks about a mooted merger have been happening for the last two years with the latest round ending “in the past few days” although no agreement has been reached.

Describing these latest talks as the “last hurrah” the newspaper report said analysts now expect both firms to continue with plans to float and merger talks will restart once this has happened.

Within the industry there are widespread doubts that a merger between the two firms, that between them are worth $12 billion, due to the sheer logistics of bolting together two huge organisations.

Another potential stumbling block is that Amadeus, which is said to be valued at €8 billion, still has some airlines with interests in the GDS, something they are not thought to be keen to give up.

Amadeus is due to list on the Madrid stock market and Travelport, which is owned by Blackstone, in London.

• Travelport results show revenue drop (7 Aug 2009)
• Virgin Atlantic renews Amadeus tie-up (2 Oct 2009)