Expedia Group, Inc. is raising approximately $3.2 billion of new capital, consisting of a $1.2 billion private placement of perpetual preferred stock and approximately $2 billion in new debt financing.
These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance Expedia Group’s financial flexibility and strengthen its liquidity position. Investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. and Silver Lake, two of the world’s leading alternative asset investors, are providing the equity investment. David Sambur, Co-Lead Partner of Apollo’s private equity business, and Greg Mondre, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake, will join the Expedia Group Board of Directors upon the closing of the fund raising transactions, which is expected on May 5, 2020.
“Between the significant steps Expedia Group continues to take to simplify the business, the talented leaders I have gotten to know over the last several months, and this new funding, we are in better position to continue to rise to the current challenge and come out even stronger than before – we understand the financial challenges ahead and we will continue to prudently address those needs,” said Peter Kern, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Expedia Group. “We are excited to have Apollo and Silver Lake as valued partners in this effort as they share our strong belief in the long-term growth of Expedia and look forward to David and Greg’s invaluable insights as Board members.”
“Expedia is a world-class company with an unparalleled collection of online travel brands and access to vast diversified travel supply, and we are thrilled to partner with management and the Board to drive its continued growth and innovation. This investment helps ensure the company has the resources to sustain market leadership and emerge from the current economic environment stronger than ever,” said Reed Rayman, a Partner in Private Equity at Apollo. “Investing significant new equity in a company of Expedia’s global scale and reach will help strengthen its financial position to continue to serve millions of travelers worldwide,” added Jason Scheir, Apollo Partner and Head of US Hybrid Value.
Greg Mondre and Joe Osnoss, Managing Partners of Silver Lake, commented, “Our firm has long admired Expedia as a true e-commerce pioneer that has helped define how people use technology to book and experience travel. We are honored to partner with Barry, Peter, the Board, and management as Expedia embarks on its strategy for continued leadership and growth well into the future.”
Recent Developments and Preliminary Financial Estimates
More detailed descriptions of the transactions outlined above were included in a current report filed by Expedia Group with the SEC today, which is available on the Company’s Investor Relations website. The SEC report also includes an update regarding the Expedia Group’s business and financial performance, including preliminary estimates for certain operational and financial metrics for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The Company has not yet completed its standard financial close procedures for the quarter and final results may differ materially from the estimates included today.
Advisors
J.P. Morgan and Moelis & Company LLC are serving as joint financial advisors and placement agents to Expedia Group and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is acting as legal counsel. Evercore is acting as lead financial advisor to Apollo; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is also advising Apollo. Sidley Austin LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP are serving as legal counsel to Apollo. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel to Silver Lake.
