Frontier and Spirit Airlines Merge to Create the Fifth-Largest U.S. Airline
Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines, the two largest low-cost carriers in the U.S. have agreed to merge in a deal valued at $6.6 billion, creating what would become the fifth-largest airline in the country.
The merger gives Denver-based Frontier Airlines a 51.5% controlling stake in the combined airline. Spirit investors will receive 1.9126 shares of Frontier plus $2.13 in cash for each share they own, giving Spirit shareholders an implied value of $25.83 per share, which is a 19% premium over the value of Spirit shares at the end of last week, the companies said.
“This transaction is centered around creating an aggressive ultra-low fare competitor to serve our guests even better, expand career opportunities for our team members and increase competitive pressure, resulting in more consumer-friendly fares for the flying public,” Ted Christie, president and CEO of Miramar, Fla.-based Spirit, said in a statement announcing the deal.
