Helloworld chief executive Andrew Burnes has escalated the public feud with rival travel agency Webjet, accusing the company’s former chairman of concealing a takeover proposal.
Burnes claims that Don Clarke, who led Webjet’s board, failed to disclose or respond to a bid of $1 per share submitted by Helloworld nearly a year ago.
The allegation centers on governance failures at Webjet, with Burnes asserting the offer was well above other bids on the table at the time.
The revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the months-long standoff between the two Australian travel groups, which has been characterized by rejected advances and blocked demands for board representation.
Helloworld has previously sought greater influence at Webjet, including demands for two director positions, which the smaller group has consistently rejected.
The current dispute highlights the deepening rift between the companies, with Helloworld now framing the issue as a matter of fiduciary duty and transparency rather than just strategic disagreement.