Is TripAdvisor Preparing for a Takeover?

Image: PHOTO: Business handshake. (photo via Pixabay)
Image: PHOTO: Business handshake. (photo via Pixabay)
Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 10:08 AM ET, Fri August 25, 2017

TripAdvisor may be laying the groundwork for a takeover.

Previously mentioned as an acquisition target, the company has been making adjustments to its executive severance offerings, which Bloomberg reports might be a sign that the travel site is readying itself for a takeover.

The package provides executives who are dismissed within three months of a proposed change or within the 12 months after the change a payout equivalent to 12 to 24 months of their base salary plus a bonus, reported Benzinga.

Earlier this month the company introduced a beefed up compensation plan for key executives whose jobs stand to be jeopardized by any change in control, such as a merger or sale, according to Bloomberg.

The new plan provides members of management with more lucrative exit deals if they remain during the immediate period leading up to or after a takeover.

But are there any buyers eyeing TripAdvisor? Wall Street investors have long been speculating that TripAdvisor is bound to be sold to a larger travel industry peer, according to Benzinga.

[READMORE]READ MORE: TripAdvisor Brings Travel Bot to Facebook[/READMORE]

With 415 million average unique monthly visitors, TripAdvisor remains an appealing candidate for such a takeover. Though previous rumors have not panned out, industry watchers say something is different this time around.

A year ago, TripAdvisor had a $9 billion valuation. Today, the company is worth about $5.7 billion, making it even more attractive for a takeover.


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Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

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