Delta Air Lines and Korean Air will strengthen their respective partnerships with WestJet through the purchase of minority equity stakes in the Canadian airline from Onex Partners, the upper middle market private equity platform of Onex, a Canadian investor and alternative asset manager. Affiliated funds and co-investors of the Onex Group intend to participate in the sale alongside Onex Partners. These investments build on each airline’s existing relationship with WestJet to provide further benefits to customers in North America, Europe, Asia and beyond.
Under the agreements, Delta and Korean will acquire independent equity stakes totaling 25 percent in WestJet. Delta will be investing US$330 million and acquiring a 15 percent stake, and Korean will invest US$220 million in exchange for a 10 percent stake.
Upon closing, Delta has the right and intent to sell and transfer a 2.3 percent stake in WestJet to its Joint Venture partner Air France-KLM, also an existing WestJet partner, in exchange for US$50 million. This separate transaction would remain subject to certain Air France-KLM approvals. The Onex Group will continue to own and control Calgary, Alberta-based WestJet.
Delta and Korean have each been codeshare partners with WestJet for years. The broader partnerships will support future benefits for travelers, including an elevated, more seamless travel experience for customers worldwide.
“Investing in a world-class partner like WestJet aligns our interests and ensures that we remain focused on providing a world-class global network and customer experience for travelers in the United States and Canada,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Together, Delta and our airline partners are connecting the world and transforming the future of travel.”
“We are pleased to invest in WestJet as part of our continued commitment to enhancing transpacific connectivity,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group. “This strategic partnership will enhance our global network and create long-term value for customers through greater choice and convenience.”
“Delta, Korean and Air France-KLM are among the world’s most prominent and best-managed airlines. Onex is delighted to welcome them as shareholders in WestJet,” said Tawfiq Popatia, Co-Head of Onex Partners.
“These investments, and the enhanced partnerships they bring, are an endorsement of our people and WestJet’s differentiated performance through an extraordinary period for aviation in recent years,” said WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.
Delta and WestJet have been partners since February 2011, providing an expanded global network and seamless travel options for customers on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. Delta, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, has proudly been serving the people of Canada for more than 90 years. In recent years, Delta has made equity investments with several international partners, including Air France-KLM, LATAM, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, China Eastern and Korean Air’s parent company, Hanjin KAL.
Korean Air and WestJet have partnered since June 2012, steadily expanding their transpacific connectivity. Through their codeshare agreement, travelers on both sides of the Pacific can access flights between Seoul Incheon and Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, with onward connections to WestJet’s domestic Canadian and U.S. routes, as well as Korean Air’s extensive Asian network.
Barclays is acting as financial advisor to WestJet and Onex on the transaction. The agreement is subject to certain regulatory approvals.
