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Delta and Korean Air acquire stakes in WestJet from Onex Partners

Delta and Korean Air acquire stakes in WestJet from Onex Partners
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Gail Grimmett, Senior Vice President – Sustainability Performance & Strategic Partnerships | Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have announced plans to enhance their partnerships with WestJet by acquiring minority equity stakes in the Canadian airline. These investments will be made through purchases from Onex Partners, a private equity platform of the Canadian investor Onex. The Onex Group, along with affiliated funds and co-investors, will participate in this sale.

The agreements specify that Delta and Korean Air will acquire independent equity stakes totaling 25% in WestJet. Delta plans to invest $330 million for a 15% stake, while Korean Air will contribute $220 million for a 10% stake. Following the transaction's closure, Delta intends to sell a 2.3% stake to its Joint Venture partner Air France-KLM for $50 million, subject to certain approvals.

These strategic moves aim to strengthen existing relationships between the airlines and WestJet, promising improved benefits for customers across North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. The broader partnerships are expected to enhance travel experiences worldwide.

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"Investing in a world-class partner like WestJet aligns our interests," stated Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta. Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group added: "This strategic partnership will enhance our global network."

Tawfiq Popatia of Onex Partners expressed delight at welcoming these prominent airlines as shareholders in WestJet. Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet, acknowledged these investments as an endorsement of their team's performance.

The collaboration between Delta and WestJet dates back to February 2011. Over the years, both airlines have expanded their global network offering seamless travel options across the U.S.-Canada border. Meanwhile, Korean Air has been collaborating with WestJet since June 2012 under a codeshare agreement enhancing transpacific connectivity.

Barclays is serving as financial advisor for this transaction which remains subject to regulatory approvals.

Organizations Included in this History
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