Wellington, Jan 12 NZPA - Fairfax-owned internet trading portal TradeMe has bought Dunedin-based online booking company BookIt.

TradeMe will take over BookIt's existing agreements with service providers, suppliers and reseller networks.

The BookIt site would continue operating, TradeMe head of travel Alex Fala said.

"It's early days now, and there is a bit of work to be done in integrating the various businesses, but we have bought it because we thought it was a strong business. I would expect things will play out with that in mind," he told NZPA.

"Users of Travelbug and our reseller network will be able to choose from a deeper selection of accommodation and a broader range of products, including activities like skiing and sightseeing tours. Suppliers to BookIt and TradeMe will benefit from a larger audience."

BookIt was ranked 293rd in the Asia Pacific-grouping of the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 2009, after logging 150 percent growth over three years.

BookIt's three staff members would continue as TradeMe employees.

NZPA