Air Canada's Aeroplan purchase cleared for takeoff

Air Canada's acquisition of Aeroplan is moving ahead, following the announcement of a definitive share purchase agreement with Aimia.

The airline and its partners – including Toronto-Dominion Bank, CIBC and Visa Canada – will purchase the loyalty program from Aimia for an aggregate purchase price of $450 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments and includes the assumption of approximately $1.9 billion of Aeroplan Miles liability.

READ MORE: Air Canada consortium to buy Aimia's Aeroplan program

Air Canada will receive payments from TD and CIBC in the aggregate amount of $822 million, while Visa will also be making a payment to Air Canada. In addition, TD and CIBC will make payments to Air Canada, at closing, in the aggregate amount of $400 million as prepayments to be applied towards future monthly payments in respect of Aeroplan miles.

Concurrently with the signing of the share purchase agreement, Air Canada, TD, CIBC and Visa signed various commercial agreements relating to the acquisition, including credit card loyalty program and network agreements for future participation in Air Canada's new loyalty program, all of which are conditional upon closing of the acquisition of Aimia Canada. Additionally, Air Canada remains in negotiations with American Express, which also issues Aeroplan co-branded products, to secure its continued participation in the Aeroplan program after 2020.

"We are extremely pleased to have concluded the agreement for the purchase of Aimia Canada and to have reached definitive agreements on our co-branded credit card programs with each of TD and CIBC," said Calin Rovinescu, President and CEO of Air Canada. "Subject to closing the purchase transaction, these agreements will produce the best outcome for our customers as well as those of our partners as they will facilitate a smooth transition to our new loyalty program launching in 2020, safeguarding all Aeroplan Miles and providing convenience and value for millions of Canadians. Our program is expected to be one of the best loyalty programs in the industry, which will be exciting for our customers and we are looking forward to communicating details later next year."

The acquisition of Aimia Canada remains subject to Aimia shareholder approval and certain other closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. The closing of the acquisition is expected to occur in January 2019.