Webjet Group Limited (ASX: WJL) experienced a dramatic surge in its stock price and trading volume on May 8, 2025, which prompted the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to issue a formal inquiry.
In response to the inquiry, Webjet confirmed on May 9, 2025, that it was aware of an undisclosed buyer interested in acquiring up to 5% of the company at a fixed price of AU$0.80 per share.
( Image: ACB News)
█ ｜By ACB News / David
May 12, 2025 (Monday) – Shares of Australian travel technology company Webjet Group Limited (ASX: WJL) surged by 16.8% with significant increase in its trading volumes last Thursday (8 May), prompting a price query from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
The company responded to the ASX query in an announcement released early the next morning — last Friday (9 May) — revealing that an undisclosed buyer had expressed interest in acquiring up to 5% of the company’s shares at A$0.80 per share, triggering significant market attention.
Mysterious Buyer Emerges
In a pre-market announcement on Friday, Webjet disclosed that it had become aware after the market closed of an undisclosed buyer aiming to acquire up to 5.0% of WJL shares (excluding existing holdings), equivalent to approximately 19.6 million shares, at a fixed cash price of $0.80 per share. The buyer also retained the option to increase the offer size at their discretion and is understood to already hold an undisclosed interest of less than 5%.
Following the announcement, Webjet Group’s share price rose steadily throughout the trading day on Friday (9 May), with the stock closed at A$0.895, up 11.88%, trading volume reached 16 million shares — more than six times the four-week average daily volume of 2.47 million — signaling a sharp increase in market interest and activity.
Institutional Reshuffling: KKR Disclosed 5% Stake
In recent months, Webjet has seen multiple changes in substantial shareholder positions. Since April 2025, the company has lodged over a dozen filings related to changes in substantial holdings.
On April 8, global private equity giant KKR, via affiliate Comet Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd, disclosed a combined holding of approximately 19.83 million shares, equivalent to a 5.05% stake across multiple related entities.
Other institutional investors also moved to restructure their holdings. First Sentier Investors increased its stake from 8.47% to 10.46%, while Perpetual Limited lifted its interest from 5.05% to 6.32%.
Summary of Webjet Group (ASX: WJL) Major Shareholder Movements Since April 2025
Note: Comet Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd and Superannuation and Investments HoldCo Pty Ltd are considered affiliated entities under KKR, potentially representing the same beneficial owner.
Five-Year Strategic Plan Reframes Business Outlook
Webjet Group was demerged from Webjet Limited and began trading as a standalone entity in September 2024. After touching a low of A$0.46 in early April 2025, its share price has since rebounded, closing at A$0.895 last Friday (9 May).
From a fundamental perspective, Webjet unveiled its five-year strategic roadmap in March 2025, aiming to double its Total Transaction Value (TTV) to A$3.2 billion by FY2030. The plan spans brands such as Webjet OTA, Airport Rentals, Motorhome Republic, and Trip Ninja, and includes the launch of new products and services — such as customized business travel packages, enhanced hotel and bundled offerings, and a new customer loyalty program.
At the ASX SMIDcaps Conference held in March 2025, CEO and Managing Director Katrina Barry emphasized Webjet’s strong brand equity, clear corporate vision, and solid balance sheet, noting that the leadership team is fully prepared to enter the next growth phase and deliver exceptional travel experiences for a global clientele.
Following two consecutive days of elevated trading, Webjet Group has garnered heightened investor attention. The identity of the undisclosed buyer mentioned in the company’s statement may become clearer as further substantial shareholder filings emerge.
Strategic Roadmap and Business Momentum
Webjet Group was demerged from Webjet Limited and listed as a standalone entity in September 2024. After reaching a low of A$0.46 in early April 2025, the stock has nearly doubled, closing at A$0.895 last Friday.
In March 2025, Webjet unveiled a five-year strategic roadmap targeting a doubling of its Total Transaction Value (TTV) to A$3.2 billion by FY2030. The plan encompasses the expansion of existing platforms such as Webjet OTA, Airport Rentals, Motorhome Republic, and Trip Ninja, and includes new offerings such as business travel solutions, bundled hotel packages, and a customer loyalty program.
ACB News image: Ms Katrina Barry ， Managing Director of Webjet Group Limited (ASX: WJL) At the ASX SMIDcaps Conference held in March 2025
At the ASX SMIDcaps Conference in March, CEO and Managing Director Katrina Barry highlighted the company’s robust balance sheet, brand strength, and clear strategic direction, emphasizing Webjet’s readiness to scale and deliver superior travel experiences globally.
With investor interest heightened following two days of elevated trading, the identity of the mystery buyer might soon come to light, pending further substantial shareholder disclosures.
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