Prosus Acquires Despegar for $1.7B in Strategic Deal
Prosus, a Netherlands-based technology investment company owned by Naspers Group, announced the acquisition of Latin America’s leading online travel agency, Despegar, for $1.7 billion in an all-cash transaction. The deal is expected to close by Q2 2025, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Despegar will merge with a Prosus subsidiary, transitioning into a private company and delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. Prosus aims to integrate Despegar into its extensive Latin American ecosystem, which includes ventures like iFood and Sympia, enhancing cross-platform opportunities in travel, e-commerce, and fintech.
According to Prosus, the acquisition will provide Despegar with access to advanced AI capabilities, significant operational expertise, and financial resources to fuel growth. Damian Scokin, CEO of Despegar, emphasized that the partnership will deliver enhanced customer experiences, loyalty benefits, and comprehensive travel solutions tailored to the region.
Fabricio Bloisi, CEO of Prosus Group, stated, “Despegar adds significant value to our ecosystem in Latin America, a region with immense growth potential. Together, we will strengthen Despegar’s position as the leading OTA travel solution in the region.”
Founded in 1999, Despegar operates in 19 Latin American markets. In 2023, it generated $5.3 billion in gross bookings and $706 million in revenue. The company has completed several acquisitions, including Koin, Best Day, Stays, and Viajanet, to enhance its offerings.
This strategic acquisition aligns with Prosus’s long-term vision of expanding its presence across Latin America’s burgeoning travel and technology sectors.
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