MakeMyTrip has announced an agreement with Ctrip.com and according to Ctrip.com will make investment in MakeMyTrip.com. With this investment, MakeMyTrip will focus on further strengthening its leading market share in the Indian online travel market and offer customers the best mobile booking experience across its full service travel products platform.
Deep Kalra, Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip said:
“We are delighted to have Ctrip invest in us. Ctrip is the dominant market leader in the online travel market in China. We believe there are many similarities in the Indian and Chinese online travel markets and we expect this strategic relationship between two market leaders to be mutually beneficial.”
Ctrip CEO and Co-Founder, James Liang commented:
“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of the strategic relationship between Ctrip and MakeMyTrip. Through this transaction, Ctrip has now gained exposure to India’s fast growing online travel market.”
Upon completion of the transaction, Ctrip will invest US$180 million in MakeMyTrip through convertible bonds. In addition, MakeMyTrip has granted Ctrip permission to acquire MakeMyTrip shares in the open market, so that combined with shares convertible under the convertible bonds, Ctrip may beneficially own up to 26.6% of MakeMyTrip’s outstanding shares. Upon completion of the investment, Ctrip will acquire the right to appoint a director to the MakeMyTrip board of directors. Morgan Stanley acted as the exclusive financial advisor to MakeMyTrip while Latham & Watkins LLP served as the legal advisor to MakeMyTrip on this transaction.