Facebook will offer 'legacy contacts'

NEW YORK — Facebook, the world's biggest online social network, said Thursday that it will now let users pick someone who can manage their account after they die. Previously, the accounts were “memorialized” after death, or locked so that no one could log in.

But Facebook says its users wanted more choice. Beginning in the U.S., Facebook users can pick a “legacy contact” to post on their page after they die, respond to new friend requests and update their profile picture and cover photo.

Users also can have their accounts deleted after their death, which was not possible before.

Expedia is buying travel rival Orbitz

A wave of deals in the online travel industry has increasingly put some familiar names under two corporate umbrellas: Expedia and Priceline.

Expedia said Thursday that it is buying rival Orbitz for about $1.3 billion. The deal adds the Orbitz brand and sites including CheapTickets and HotelClub to a lineup that already includes names such as Hotels.com, Hotwire, Trivago and Australia's Wotif. com. Expedia also is in the process of buying Travelocity.

Industry executives and travel experts say consumers won't notice much of an impact. They will still have plenty of options for booking flights, hotel rooms and vacation packages, including shopping directly with airline and hotel websites.

American Express, Costco to end deal

Costco shoppers who have been limited for years to American Express credit cards may be able to pluck a new option from their wallets or purses next year after an exclusivity deal between the companies expires.

American Express said Thursday it hasn't been able to come to an agreement with Costco on renewal terms. The current agreement dates back 16 years. It will end March 31, 2016.

The end of the partnership with Costco will hurt American Express earnings and revenue growth in 2015 and 2016. Costco is the world's second-largest retailer by revenue, and its deal with the card company accounted for 8 percent of American Express billed business last year.