SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Viad Corp (NYSE: NYSE:VVI), which has seen its stock surge over 25% in the past six months according to InvestingPro data, has finalized the sale of its GES business unit to Truelink Capital for $535 million and is set to rebrand as Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. The transaction will see Viad, henceforth known as Pursuit, focus exclusively on attractions and hospitality services. Pursuit will commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbol PRSU starting January 2, 2025.
The sale’s proceeds were used to retire Viad’s 2021 Credit Facility and bolster the company’s balance sheet, supporting the growth of Pursuit through its Refresh, Build, Buy strategy. The company, currently valued at approximately $911 million, maintains a "GOOD" financial health score according to InvestingPro analysis, with last twelve months EBITDA of $173 million. Pursuit’s portfolio includes 14 attractions and 28 lodges across the United States, Canada, and Iceland, offering experiences in renowned travel locations.
Concurrent with the sale, Viad has announced leadership changes, with David Barry taking over as President and CEO. Barry, who has led Viad’s Pursuit business since 2015, also joins the Board of Directors, replacing outgoing President and CEO Steve Moster. Moster will remain in an advisory role through March 1, 2025. The Board of Directors has been restructured, with Richard Dozer and Edward Mace resigning and the Board reducing to seven members, six of whom are independent. Joshua Schechter has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board.
As part of the corporate restructuring, Viad has completed the mandatory conversion of its 5.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock into common stock, resulting in approximately 28 million shares outstanding. This conversion eliminates future dividends for the Preferred Stock, with the final quarterly dividend paid on December 31, 2024.
Moelis (NYSE:MC) & Company LLC and Latham & Watkins LLP served as financial and legal advisors, respectively, for the GES sale to Truelink Capital.
This news is based on a press release statement from Viad Corp.
In other recent news, Viad Corp reported substantial growth in its third quarter of 2024, with consolidated revenue increasing by 25% to $455.7 million. This growth was primarily driven by the company’s two main segments, Pursuit and GES, which respectively posted revenues of $182.3 million and $273.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter rose significantly to $103.1 million.
On the executive front, Viad Corp announced leadership transitions with the appointment of Michael Bo Heitz as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective from March 2025. The company also announced the upcoming departure of two senior officers, including the current CFO, Ellen Ingersoll, and Chief Accounting Officer, Leslie Striedel.
Viad Corp is set to become an independent entity following the sale of its GES business to Truelink Capital, a move expected to strengthen the company’s financial position. These are among the recent developments that are shaping the company’s growth strategy. Despite challenges like the Jasper National Park wildfire, which led to a $21.9 million revenue decline, the company remains optimistic about its recovery and future growth.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.