Travelport has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Siris Capital Group and Evergreen Coast Capital Corp., in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately US$4.4 billion. Evergreen is the private equity affiliate of Elliott Management Corporation.
Under the terms of the agreement, Siris and Evergreen will acquire all the outstanding common shares of Travelport for US$15.75 per share in cash.
The Board of Directors of Travelport unanimously approved the agreement and recommended that shareholders vote in favour of the transaction. Elliott and its affiliates have agreed to vote the common shares owned by them in favour of the transaction.
Frank Baker, Co-Founder of Siris Capital said, “Travelport has an impressive track record of developing and bringing to market best-in-class distribution capabilities, technology services, innovative payment solutions and other value-add digital tools for the global travel industry. We have been impressed by the company’s industry-leading GDS technology platform, which supports mission-critical transactions for both travel providers and agents. At the same time, Travelport is redefining the travel payments industry through eNett, a disruptive and fast-growing leader in secure, virtual travel payments. Siris looks forward to partnering with the company’s management team and Evergreen in this next phase of Travelport’s evolution and growth as a private company.”
The proposed transaction is currently expected to close in the second quarter of 2019 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Travelport shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to any financing condition.
Upon the completion of the transaction, Travelport will become a privately held company and Travelport common shares will no longer be listed on any public market. Travelport’s headquarters will remain in Langley, U.K.
Gordon Wilson, President and CEO, Travelport said, “Travelport welcomes this proposed transaction with Siris and Evergreen, who are specialist technology platform investors. Throughout the process, Siris and Evergreen have demonstrated their deep technology expertise together with a strong commitment to the success of our customers, employees and partners. We will continue to develop and invest in our platform to serve the changing needs of our customers in the travel industry. It is very much business as usual at Travelport and we look forward to this new era in the company’s development.”
Travelport says it can still actively solicit alternative acquisition proposals from third parties during a “go-shop” period from the date of the agreement through 23 January 2019. Travelport will then have the right to terminate the agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement.
