2 founders have been selling Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) shares. Here's what you need to know

Founders have been selling Flight Centre shares…

| More on:
Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Two of Flight Centre's founders have been selling shares.
  • However, fellow founder and current Managing Director, Graham Turner, has not sold any shares.
  • The three founders still have a combined interest of ~22%.

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price will be one to watch on Wednesday.

This follows the release of an announcement out of the travel agent giant after the market close yesterday.

Why is the Flight Centre share price on watch?

Investors may want to keep an eye on the Flight Centre share price today after the company revealed that two of its founders have been selling shares.

According to the release, change in substantial holding notices have been lodged for Flight Centre Travel Group's three founding families. This follows trades by James Management Services and Gehar, which are entities associated with founders Bill James and Geoff Harris respectively.

And while a change in substantial holding notice has been filed for fellow founder and current Flight Centre Managing Director, Graham Turner, he hasn't actually sold any shares.

Mr Turner's notice was filed due to his involvement in a shareholders' deed of pre-emption between the three founding families.

What does this mean?

The release explains that the deed, which was put in place ahead of Flight Centre's ASX listing in 1995, grants each founder certain pre-emptive rights in relation to the other founders' Flight Centre shares.

This means that, subject to limited exceptions, these rights restrict the founders from disposing of their shares unless those shares are first offered to the other founders on a pro rata basis.

As a result, each of the founding shareholders is deemed to have a relevant interest in the founders' combined holdings and therefore each founder is required to provide a change in substantial shareholder notice if trades by the founding shareholders increase or decrease their combined holdings by more than 1%, as reflected in today's announcements.

The three founders still have a sizeable stake between them. Flight Centre highlights that their combined interest represents 22.08% of Flight Centre as of the date of this announcement.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Woman on her phone with diagrams of tech sector related elements linking with each other.
Best Shares

Best and worst performing ASX sectors of 2024

The top sector of the ASX 200 delivered almost a 50% gain in 12 months.

Read more »

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.
Share Market News

10 most popular ASX shares of 2024 for buyers

A young defence company in the industrials sector was the most bought ASX share of the year.

Read more »

Share Gainers

These were the 5 best performing ASX 200 shares in 2024

Let's see why these shares delivered massive returns last year.

Read more »

A group of young people celebrate and party outside.
Best Shares

Top ASX shares to buy in January 2025

Popping the cork on some new ASX shares in January?

Read more »

Young man with laptop watching stocks and trends while thinking
Share Market News

ASX shares in 2024: A year in review

As we move into 2025, now would be a good time to reflect on the year that was for ASX…

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

These were the best ASX 200 shares to own in December

Let's see why these shares outperformed the market in December.

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Share Gainers

Why DroneShield, Invictus Energy, Mesoblast, Weebit Nano shares are rising today

These shares are on course to end the year on a positive note. But why?

Read more »

a business man in a suit holds his hand over his eyes as he bows his head in a defeated post suggesting regret and remorse.
Share Fallers

Why AVITA Medical, Life360, Newmont, and St Barbara shares are falling today

These shares are ending the year in the red. Let's see what is going on.

Read more »