Expedia Group Bundle
Who Really Owns Expedia Group?
Ever wondered who pulls the strings at one of the world's largest online travel agencies? Understanding the Expedia Group SWOT Analysis is crucial, but knowing its ownership structure is paramount to grasping its strategic direction and market dominance. From its roots as a Microsoft spin-off to its current standing, the story of Expedia Group's ownership is a fascinating journey through the evolution of the travel industry.
This exploration into Expedia Group Ownership will unveil the key players shaping the future of travel. We'll uncover the Expedia Group parent company, its major investors, and the influence of public shareholders. Discover the answers to questions like "Who owns Expedia" and "Who controls Expedia Group" as we delve into the company's corporate structure and financial information, providing a comprehensive view of this travel industry giant. We'll also examine the company history, including when Expedia Group was founded and where its headquarters are located.
Who Founded Expedia Group?
The story of Expedia Group, a leading online travel agency, began within Microsoft. Initially known as 'Microsoft Expedia Travel Services,' the company was launched in October 1996. This early phase set the stage for its evolution into a major player in the travel industry. The initial ownership was entirely within Microsoft.
Rich Barton, a product manager at Microsoft, played a pivotal role in the company's inception. While specific details about the equity distribution at its start as a Microsoft division aren't publicly available, the early ownership was firmly held by Microsoft. This foundation was crucial to the company's initial structure and operational framework.
The journey of Expedia Group, now a prominent name in the travel sector, began as a division of Microsoft. Understanding its origins is key to grasping the evolution of its ownership and corporate structure. This is particularly important when considering the question of who owns Expedia today.
Founding and Microsoft's Role
Expedia Group, as it's known now, was founded within Microsoft in 1996. Rich Barton, a Microsoft product manager, was the driving force behind its creation. This early setup was entirely under Microsoft's ownership.
Initial Public Offering (IPO)
In 1999, Expedia Group went public, though Microsoft retained majority ownership. This IPO marked a significant step toward independence, allowing Expedia to trade separately. The IPO was a key moment in shaping the
IAC's Acquisition
IAC (then USA Networks Inc.) acquired a controlling interest in 2001. This included a significant purchase of shares from Microsoft. By 2003, IAC had fully acquired Expedia, taking it private.
Transition to IAC
The acquisition by IAC fundamentally altered Expedia's ownership structure. Rich Barton remained as President and CEO after the IAC takeover. This transition marked a shift from Microsoft's control to a new corporate environment.
Early Leadership
Rich Barton's continued leadership was crucial during the transition to IAC. His role ensured continuity in the company's direction. This leadership helped maintain stability during the ownership changes.
Ownership Evolution
The evolution of Expedia Group's ownership reflects its growth and strategic shifts. From its origins within Microsoft to its IPO and subsequent acquisition by IAC, the company's ownership has been a dynamic factor. This is a key part of understanding the
Key Ownership Timeline
The ownership of Expedia Group has seen significant changes over time. Initially a Microsoft division, it transitioned through an IPO and was later acquired by IAC. Understanding this history is essential for anyone researching the
- 1996: Founded as Microsoft Expedia Travel Services.
- 1999: Spun off as a public company with Microsoft retaining majority ownership.
- 2001: IAC (USA Networks Inc.) acquires a controlling interest.
- 2003: IAC acquires the remainder of the company, taking it private.
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How Has Expedia Group’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
The ownership of Expedia Group has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially spun off from Microsoft in 1999, the company was majority-owned by Microsoft. In 2001, IAC (USA Networks Inc.) gained a controlling interest, eventually acquiring all shares by 2003 and taking the company private. Expedia, Inc. was then spun off again as a separate public company in August 2005.
As of June 2025, Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) is publicly traded, with substantial institutional ownership. This ownership structure has shaped the company's strategic direction, particularly after the acquisition of Liberty Expedia Holdings in 2019, simplifying its structure and governance.
| Event | Date | Impact on Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Spin-off from Microsoft | 1999 | Initial public offering; Microsoft majority owner. |
| IAC Acquisition | 2001-2003 | IAC gains controlling interest, then takes the company private. |
| Spin-off of Expedia, Inc. | August 2005 | Expedia becomes a separate public company. |
| Acquisition of Liberty Expedia Holdings | 2019 | Simplified corporate structure, reducing share count. |
As of May 2025, insider ownership stood at 1.33% (1.69 million shares). Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc., holding 12% (15,201,811 shares), and BlackRock, Inc., holding 7.63% (9,701,597 shares). Barry Diller, who became chairman in 2005, has been a key figure, and after the 2019 acquisition, was expected to hold approximately 29% of the voting power. The company has 1,746 institutional owners and shareholders, with a total of 139,954,955 shares held.
Ownership Insights
Understanding the ownership structure of Expedia Group is crucial for investors and stakeholders. The company's evolution from Microsoft to a publicly traded entity highlights its growth and strategic shifts.
- Institutional investors hold a significant portion of Expedia Group's shares.
- Barry Diller has played a pivotal role in the company's ownership and direction.
- The 2019 acquisition streamlined the corporate structure.
- Expedia Group's stock ownership is dynamic, with ongoing changes in shareholder composition.
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Who Sits on Expedia Group’s Board?
As of April 2025, the Board of Directors of Expedia Group consists of 11 members. This is a slight decrease from 12 members, following a resignation in November 2024 and the subsequent elimination of that board seat. The leadership structure includes Barry Diller as Chairman and Senior Executive and Ariane Gorin as Chief Executive Officer. This structure aims to combine Diller's strategic oversight with Gorin's focus on daily management and strategic objectives.
This structure, with Diller at the helm, reflects a strategic approach to combining long-term vision with operational execution. The board's composition and leadership are key elements in understanding the Expedia Group's corporate governance and strategic direction. The board's decisions and oversight play a crucial role in the company's performance and its response to the rapidly evolving online travel agency market.
| Board Member | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Diller | Chairman and Senior Executive | Holds significant voting power. |
| Ariane Gorin | Chief Executive Officer | Focuses on day-to-day management and strategic goals. |
| Board Members | Other Board Members | Details of other board members are available in public filings. |
Expedia Group's voting structure features both common stock and Class B common stock. Holders of common stock have one vote per share. Class B common stock holders are entitled to ten votes per share, voting together with common stock on most matters, including the election of eight of the eleven director nominees. A separate class vote for common stockholders elects the remaining three or four director nominees. Barry Diller's significant voting power, expected to be around 29% following the 2019 acquisition of Liberty Expedia Holdings, grants him substantial control due to the Class B shares' special voting rights. This structure influences the company's strategic decisions and shareholder influence.
Understanding Expedia Group Ownership
Understanding who owns Expedia Group is crucial for investors and stakeholders. The company's ownership structure, including the voting rights of different share classes, significantly impacts its governance and strategic direction. Knowing who controls Expedia Group and the role of major investors provides valuable insights into the company's future.
- Barry Diller's significant voting power.
- Class B shares grant ten votes per share.
- Shareholder proposals influence governance.
- Understanding the Expedia Group corporate structure is key.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Expedia Group’s Ownership Landscape?
Over the past few years, several developments have influenced the ownership profile and strategic direction of the Expedia Group. Ariane Gorin became CEO in February 2024, succeeding Peter Kern. Additionally, Scott Schenkel was appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer in December 2024, effective around February 7, 2025. These leadership changes signal a focus on continued growth and transformation within the online travel agency.
The company has actively engaged in share buybacks, repurchasing over 12 million shares for $1.6 billion in 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, approximately 1.7 million shares were repurchased for $330 million. Starting in March 2025, Expedia Group reinstated its quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share. Furthermore, about $3.2 billion remained on its share repurchase authorization. These financial moves show a commitment to returning capital to shareholders and indicate Expedia Group's confidence in its financial health. To understand more about their financial strategy, you can read about the Revenue Streams & Business Model of Expedia Group.
| Metric | As of May 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Ownership | 94.77% | Slight increase |
| Mutual Fund Ownership | 90.03% | Stable |
| Insider Holdings | 0.42% | Increased from 0.41% |
In May 2025, institutional investors held 94.77% of Expedia Group's shares, with mutual funds holding 90.03%. Insider holdings saw a slight increase to 0.42%. During Q1 2025, 431 institutional investors added shares, while 402 decreased their positions. Notably, LOS ANGELES CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC added 999,454 shares, and VICTORY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC. added 736,004 shares. Conversely, BOSTON PARTNERS removed 979,791 shares in Q4 2024. These trends highlight the ongoing interest from institutional investors in Expedia Group.
Key Leadership Changes
Ariane Gorin appointed as CEO in February 2024, succeeding Peter Kern. Scott Schenkel appointed CFO, effective around February 7, 2025.
Share Buybacks and Dividends
Repurchased over 12 million shares in 2024. Reinstated quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share starting March 2025.
Institutional Ownership
Institutional ownership remains high at 94.77% as of May 2025. Mutual funds hold 90.03% of the shares.
Strategic Initiatives
Layoffs of around 3% of global workforce in February 2024. Revenue grew by 7% in 2024.
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