Changes in US stocks | Royal Caribbean (RCL.US), which plans to buy half of Sandals' shares for $3 billion, falls 3%

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on Wednesday, Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL.US) opened low, with the biggest intraday decline of more than 5%. As of press release, the decline had narrowed to 3%. According to the news, Royal Caribbean International Cruises announced that it has agreed to buy 50% of the shares of all-inclusive resort operator Sandals Resorts International for 3 billion US dollars, valuing the latter at 6 billion US dollars. This is the largest deal in the company's history and aims to expand the business from the sea to the land-based holiday market. The company's stock price fell about 25% over the past year after it lowered its revenue growth expectations due to weakening demand for European routes.

According to the statement, Royal Caribbean will take 50% of the shares in the newly established joint venture. The joint venture controls the Sandals business, and some members of the Stewart family retain control of the other half. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027.