Helloworld Travel has agreed to acquire Crown Currency Exchange for $135 million, adding 68 Australian stores and an FY26 underlying EBITDA stream of $22 million. The transaction expands Helloworld’s retail footprint but will also introduce a mix of NAB debt, vendor financing and a share placement.
- $135 million binding acquisition of Crown Currency Exchange
- 68-store Australian network with more than 200 employees
- Purchase price equals 6.1x FY26 underlying EBITDA
- Funding to combine NAB debt, vendor shares and vendor loan
- Completion expected at the end of October 2026
Helloworld Travel Limited (ASX:HLO) is moving beyond travel sales and into foreign exchange retail, agreeing to buy Crown Currency Exchange for $135 million. The deal adds 68 stores across Australia and a business that generated $22 million in FY26 underlying EBITDA, implying a purchase multiple of 6.1x.
Bottom Line?
The transaction gives Helloworld a sizeable adjacent retail business, but the investment case will turn on the final funding mix, completion and the pace of integration across its existing network.
Questions in the middle?
- How much of the $135 million consideration will be funded through debt, shares and the vendor loan facility?
- Will ASX confirm that shareholder approval is not required under Listing Rule 11.1?
- How effectively can Helloworld use its existing agency network to expand Crown Currency Exchange after completion?