Continental Airlines was a major U.S. airline, founded in 1934 and eventually headquartered in
Houston, Texas. In May 2010, the airline announced that it would merge with
UAL Corporation, the parent company of
United Airlines, via a
stock swap. Continental's shares were acquired by UAL Corporation. The acquisition was completed in October 2010, at which time the holding company was renamed
United Continental Holdings. During the integration period, each airline ran a separate operation under the direction of a combined leadership team, based in
Chicago, Illinois. The integration was completed on March 3, 2012.