Loveholidays Sets Sights on Spring London Stock Market Debut
The owner of Loveholidays, one of Britain's leading online travel agents, has strengthened its preparations for a significant stock market listing in London this spring. Sky News has learned that Investec has joined the banking syndicate, working alongside Barclays and JP Morgan on the planned initial public offering (IPO).
Timing and Market Conditions
City sources indicate that the IPO could be unveiled as early as March, although insiders caution that the launch date might be delayed depending on market conditions. This potential listing represents a notable opportunity for the London stock market, which has faced challenges in attracting major new listings in recent years.
A successful debut for a prominent brand like Loveholidays would provide a welcome boost to London's financial landscape, signalling confidence in the UK's capital markets amid global competition.
Company Background and Performance
Loveholidays, founded in 2012 and backed by private equity firm Livingbridge since 2018, has demonstrated robust financial recovery post-pandemic. The company specialises in holiday packages to popular destinations such as the Greek islands, mainland Spain, and the Canary Islands.
With an inventory boasting 35,000 hotels and access to 99% of all flights, Loveholidays claims to offer approximately 500 billion possible holiday combinations. In the year to October 2024, the company reported pre-tax profits rising by a fifth to £67.6 million on sales of £284 million.
Market Position and Expansion
Ranking among the UK's largest online travel agents alongside competitors like OnTheBeach and TUI, Loveholidays has capitalised on the post-pandemic resurgence in travel demand. In 2024 alone, the company organised holidays for over 5 million Britons and has expanded its operations to include Ireland, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Livingbridge is also collaborating with Rothschild to coordinate the IPO plans. Both Loveholidays and Livingbridge have declined to comment on the specific details of the listing, maintaining a strategic silence as preparations advance.
