AirAsia Branding Unit Eyes $1.5 Billion Nasdaq Backdoor Listing: CEO

AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes has indicated that the airline’s branding division is nearing a transaction that would enable a US market listing through a merger with a Nasdaq-listed company, as per Bloomberg report. 

Backdoor Listing Plan 

The proposed structure involves combining the branding unit with an existing US-listed entity, resulting in a backdoor listing.  

Fernandes said the transaction is likely to be announced within the next 2 months, with the merged company expected to debut in the third quarter. The newly formed entity is projected to carry a valuation of approximately $1.5 billion. 

The development revives a similar plan discussed 2 years ago, which did not proceed due to compliance challenges linked to Nasdaq listing requirements.  

If completed, this would represent Fernandes’ first listing outside Malaysia and follows the consolidation of AirAsia’s airline operations under a single entity. 

Broader Strategic Vision 

Fernandes has previously outlined plans to eventually list non-aviation businesses under Capital A Bhd. over the coming years.  

He highlighted the commercial potential of AirAsia’s brand, stating that airlines, particularly within the Asean region, may seek to leverage its operational expertise and brand equity. 

“We can have AirAsia anything,” Fernandes said, underscoring the company’s intent to monetise its branding capabilities beyond core airline operations. 

Read More: Tata Sons Appoints Former Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola as Advisor to Steady Air India! 

Conclusion 

The proposed Nasdaq transaction, if finalised, would mark a significant step in AirAsia’s global capital market ambitions while advancing plans to unlock value from its branding and non-aviation businesses. 

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