Virgin Australia acquires 60% stake in Tiger Airways

The two teamed up to invest a further AUD62.5 million to revive Tiger Australia.

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited (Virgin Australia) today announced that it has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire 60% of the existing shares in Tiger Airways Australia Pty Limited (Tiger Australia) from Tiger Airways Holdings Limited (Tiger Airways) for AUD35 million.

In addition, Tiger Australia has agreed to make a payment of AUD5 million to Tiger Airways, if Tiger Australia achieves certain financial performance targets within five years.

Tiger Airways and Virgin Australia have committed to invest up to a further AUD62.5 million collectively into the business to fund growth in Tiger Australia. The joint venture has flexibility to grow Tiger Australia’s fleet from 11 to up to 35 aircraft by 2018.

The transaction is subject to conditions and regulatory approvals, including ACCC clearance and FIRB approval. As part of the transaction, Virgin Australia and Tiger Airways propose to enter into a Shareholders Agreement, Brand Licensing Agreement and Services Agreement.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said: “This transaction enables Virgin Australia to access the budget market and enables Tiger Australia to expedite its growth, providing greater competition to this important market segment.

“By partnering with Tiger Airways, we can use our expertise to leverage Tiger Australia’s competitive cost base and build a sustainable budget carrier. We are committed to maintaining the Tiger Australia business model and brand, and we look forward to collaborating with Tiger Airways as the business grows”, Mr Borghetti said.

Tiger Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Koay Peng Yen said: “This is a significant step forward for us. The joint venture will bring about a stronger and more competitive Tiger Australia, and allow us to deploy more capacity and attractive budget offerings to our customers.

“We are committed to growing Tiger Australia’s fleet, network and flight frequencies, and expanding to more destinations in Australia”, Mr Koay said.