Introduction
TripAdvisor is one of the most popular travel sites on the web, providing millions of travelers with reviews and advice about their trips. But who owns TripAdvisor? The answer lies in its complex ownership structure, which has changed over the years as different companies have taken control of the company. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the ownership of TripAdvisor and explore the corporate structure behind the popular travel site.
Exploring the Ownership and History of TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor was founded in 2000 by Stephen Kaufer and several other co-founders. Initially, the company was owned and operated by its founders. However, in 2004, the company received its first round of venture capital funding from Oak Investment Partners, which allowed it to expand its operations and grow its business.
In 2011, TripAdvisor was acquired by Expedia Inc., one of the world’s largest online travel companies. This acquisition gave Expedia control of TripAdvisor, but the company continued to operate independently. In 2014, Expedia sold a majority stake in TripAdvisor to a group of private equity firms, including Silver Lake, TPG Capital, and KKR & Co. This move allowed Expedia to maintain a minority stake in the company while the private equity firms took control.
A Comprehensive Look at Who Owns TripAdvisor
Today, TripAdvisor is majority-owned by the three private equity firms mentioned above. According to a 2018 financial report, Silver Lake owns approximately 27.5% of the company, TPG Capital owns approximately 25.5%, and KKR & Co. owns approximately 23%. Expedia still maintains a minority stake in the company, owning approximately 24% of shares.
In addition to the major shareholders, there are also several smaller investors in TripAdvisor. These include Fidelity, Vanguard, State Street, BlackRock, and Wellington Management. Together, these investors own a combined total of approximately 0.5% of shares in the company.
An Investor’s Guide to the Ownership of TripAdvisor
For potential investors, understanding the ownership of TripAdvisor is key to making informed decisions about investing in the company. While the majority shareholders are private equity firms, there are also several large financial entities that have invested in the company. For example, Fidelity, Vanguard, and BlackRock all hold shares in TripAdvisor.
The benefits of investing in TripAdvisor are numerous. As one of the leading travel sites on the web, TripAdvisor offers investors access to a growing market. Additionally, the company has a strong track record of growth and profitability, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
Examining the Corporate Structure Behind TripAdvisor
In addition to its ownership structure, it’s also important to understand the corporate structure behind TripAdvisor. The company is led by a board of directors, which consists of representatives from the majority shareholders as well as independent members. The executive leadership team is headed by CEO Steve Kaufer, who has been with the company since its founding in 2000.
TripAdvisor also employs a number of other executives, including Chief Financial Officer Julie B. Bradley, Chief Technology Officer Michael J. Brown, and Chief Operating Officer Dermot Halpin. Additionally, the company has a number of divisional executives, who are responsible for overseeing the various divisions within the company.
Conclusion
TripAdvisor is one of the most popular travel sites on the web, and its ownership structure reflects this. The majority of the company is owned by three private equity firms, with Expedia maintaining a minority stake. In addition, there are several large financial entities that have invested in TripAdvisor, offering potential investors a chance to get involved in the company’s success. Finally, the executive leadership team and board of directors are essential to the company’s operations, ensuring that TripAdvisor remains a leader in the travel industry.
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