By Velizar Velikov, Head of M&A Database at EMIS

Amsterdam-based t🥂echnology investor Prosus NV has agreed to acquire Despegar, a leading Latin American online travel company🌟, at an enterprise value of USD 1.7bn, the companies announced. 

The acquisition, expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, values Despegar’s equity at USD 1.6bn, with Pros🎃us offering a 33% premium to the stock’s closing price prior to the announcement.  Under this agreement, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prosus wil🎃l merge with Despegar, with Despegar continuing as the surviving entity

Prosus said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to build a high-quality ecosystem of complementary b꧂usinesses, expanding its presence in Latin America. The company aims to leverage its operational expertise and AI capabilities to accelerate Despegar’s growth, tapping into its bro🥀ad customer base across e-commerce, travel, and fintech. 

Despegar, which operates under the Despegar and Decolar brands, is one of Latin America’s largest online travel companies, offering airline tickets, hotels, vacation packages, and tr💮avel-related services. The firm operates in 19 countries, facilitating over 9.5 million transactions annually. In 2023, Despegar reported USD 706mn in revenue and USD 116mn in EBITDA. 

Prosus, a consumer internet giant, has investments spanning online classifieds, food delivery, fintech, and education technology. The company sees significant synergies in integrating Despegar 🔯into its Latin American portfolio, enhancing its reach 🍃to over 100 million consumers. 

The acquisition is a major bet on Latin America’s travel sector, as Prosus seeks to capitalize on rising digital adoption and increasing demand ♋for online travel services across the region.

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