Air Canada will purchase the Aeroplan loyalty program for $450 million bucks.
The airline will partner with financial services companies Toronto-Dominion Bank, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Visa Canada to buy Aeroplan from its parent company Aimia Inc.
Air Canada went public with a hostile takeover offer for Aeroplan at the end of July for $250 million. Today’s deal sees that cash payout almost double.
Air Canada invented Aeroplan more than 30 years ago as its in-house loyalty program, designed to reward frequent travelers. But more than a decade ago, Air Canada sold off Aeroplan as an independent company.
Now the airline wants to buy back the program, so it can absorb all of its members into a new, as-yet-unnamed loyalty program.
Air Canada’s CEO Calin Rovinescu said: “This transaction, if completed, should produce the best outcome for all stakeholders, including Aeroplan members, as it would allow for a smooth transition to Air Canada’s new loyalty program launching in 2020, safeguarding their miles and providing convenience and value for millions of Canadians.”
Shareholders of Aimia still have to vote on and approve the deal, but Aimia’s largest shareholder, Mittleman Brothers, LLC, which owns 17.6 per cent of the company, has already given it the thumbs up.
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