Apollo (NYSE: APO) and The Travel (TTC) have announced a definitive agreement for Apollo-managed funds to acquire TTC, a privately owned company with over a century of operation. The deal includes 18 leading travel brands such as Trafalgar, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Contiki, and Insight Vacations. Apollo aims to leverage its experience in travel, tech, and hospitality to enhance TTC’s brand portfolio. The transaction, expected to close in Q4 2024, is subject to regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed, and certain brands like The Red Carnation Hotel Collection are not included in the sale. This strategic move aligns with TTC’s succession plan, as there is no next generation to lead the company.
Positive
- Acquisition of 18 leading travel brands, expanding Apollo’s portfolio in the travel industry
- Potential for growth and enhancement of TTC brands leveraging Apollo’s sector expertise
- Strategic alignment with TTC’s succession plan, ensuring continuity of operations
Negative
- Regulatory approvals pending, which could potentially delay or affect the deal closure
- Exclusion of certain brands from the sale, potentially limiting the scope of the acquisition
The acquisition of The Travel Corporation (TTC) by Apollo Funds is significant due to the financial dynamics it involves. TTC, with its 18 recognized brands like Trafalgar, Uniworld and Contiki, represents a substantial portfolio in the travel sector. From an investor’s perspective, this acquisition indicates Apollo’s confidence in the long-term potential of the travel industry, particularly in areas like guided tours and river cruises, which are expected to see increased demand as global travel resumes fully post-pandemic.
This move could potentially enhance Apollo’s financial performance by diversifying its investment portfolio and tapping into the robust revenue streams of TTC’s brands. However, the absence of disclosed financial terms leaves an information gap regarding the transaction’s valuation. Investors should watch for any subsequent disclosures or financial performance updates from Apollo.
In the short term, the transaction’s completion might lead to increased operational costs for integration, but in the long term, it could bolster Apollo’s earnings through synergistic efficiencies and expanded market reach.
For stakeholders, the acquisition is a clear signal of consolidation within the travel industry. Apollo’s strategic acquisition of TTC could be seen as a move to consolidate market share and leverage TTC’s established brand presence and customer loyalty. This consolidation can result in increased bargaining power with suppliers, economies of scale and potentially more competitive pricing strategies to attract a broader customer base.
Moreover, as TTC brands cater to diverse segments—luxury cruises with Uniworld, youth travel with Contiki and premium vacations with Insight Vacations—Apollo can capitalize on varied revenue streams and customer demographics. This diversification reduces risk and potential volatility associated with dependency on a single market segment.
However, the integration process poses its challenges, as the seamless transition promised by TTC’s Chairman must align with Apollo’s operational strategies without disrupting service quality. Investors should consider the potential impact of these integration efforts on short-term performance and operational stability.
The legal intricacies of this acquisition are key areas of interest. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and satisfaction of certain closing conditions, which can sometimes delay or alter acquisition terms. Legal counsel from Sidley Austin LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP are involved, indicating the complexity and due diligence required in this deal. It’s essential for investors to monitor any regulatory hurdles that could impact the transaction’s timeline or completion.
Additionally, certain TTC brands like The Red Carnation Hotel Collection are excluded from the deal, which suggests that the acquisition is highly strategic and selective. This exclusion might influence the overall valuation and future revenue projections.
Regulatory compliance and antitrust considerations are important elements that can significantly impact the finalization and operational integration post-acquisition. Investors should be aware of these legal factors, as they have the potential to influence stock performance and strategic outcomes.
TTC comprised of 18 Leading Brands Including Trafalgar and Uniworld
NEW YORK, July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) and The Travel Corporation (TTC) today announced they have entered into definitive agreement for Apollo-managed funds (the “Apollo Funds”) to acquire TTC, which has been privately owned and operated for more than a century.
The transaction is comprised of 18 leading brands, including Trafalgar, a leading escorted tour operator; Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, a luxury all-inclusive river cruise line; Contiki, youth travel specialist tour company; premium guided vacation company, Insight Vacations; as well as other global travel brands and supporting business entities.
Apollo Private Equity Partner Michele Raba said, “TTC has a leading collection of brands that we believe we can take to the next level as an Apollo Funds portfolio company, leveraging our extensive experience in the travel, tech and hospitality sectors. We look forward to building on its legacy in an exciting next chapter in which TTC can serve as a platform for growth.”
“For more than 104 years our family has built TTC into an industry leader known for exceptional service and innovation. Without a next generation to lead TTC, the time has come in our strategic succession plan to select a new owner with a proven track record and who shares in our vision and customer-first values. We will support a seamless transition and are confident the team at Apollo will continue driving the business forward to meet growing global demand for touring, river cruising and specialist and adventure travel,” said TTC’s Chairman.
The transaction is subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024. Certain brands are not included in the sale, notably The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel to TTC; Zaoui & Co served as TTC’s financial advisor.
About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three investing strategies: yield, hybrid, and equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately
About The Travel Corporation
The Travel Corporation is a global portfolio of 18 exceptional, market leading travel brands including the world’s number one escorted tour operator Trafalgar, award-winning Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, premium guided vacation company Insight Vacations, youth travel specialists Contiki, and Celtic travel experts Brendan Vacations among many others. After more than a century of blending transformative travel with extraordinary service, the venerable company remains committed to its signature ‘Driven by Service’ philosophy and to consistently delivering outstanding experiences and value to travelers, guests, and partners. For more information, visit TTC.com.
Contacts
Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com
Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
(212) 822-0491
communications@apollo.com / EuropeanMedia@apollo.com
Stacy Royal or Cathy Decker
Principal
Decker Royal (on behalf of TTC)
+1 646 650 2185
ttc@deckerroyal.com
FAQ
What are the key brands Apollo is acquiring from The Travel (TTC)?
Apollo is acquiring 18 leading brands from TTC, including Trafalgar (escorted tour operator), Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (luxury river cruise line), Contiki (youth travel specialist), and Insight Vacations (premium guided vacation company).
When is the Apollo (APO) acquisition of The Travel expected to close?
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Why is The Travel (TTC) being sold to Apollo (APO)?
TTC is being sold as part of its strategic succession plan, as there is no next generation to lead the company. The sale aims to ensure the continuity and growth of the business under new ownership with expertise in the travel sector.
Are all of The Travel ‘s brands included in the Apollo (APO) acquisition?
No, not all brands are included. Notably, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is not part of the sale to Apollo.