In May 2024, two major news outlets reported on the successful initial public offering (IPO) of Viking Holdings Ltd, a luxury cruise line founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen. The IPO raised $1.77 billion and marked the biggest American stock market debut of the year.
According to Conyers, a Bermuda-based law firm that advised Viking on the IPO, the offering was a significant achievement for both Viking and its clients. Jason Piney, a director at Conyers, expressed his pride in the partnership between his firm and Viking.
Viking Holdings sold 73.6 million shares at $24 per share on May 1, with the stock beginning trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'CVik'. The company's revenue for 2023 was reportedly $4.7 billion, but it incurred a loss of nearly $1.9 billion.
Torstein Hagen, now a multibillionaire after the IPO, founded Viking Cruises with four ships offering Russian river cruises in 1997. The company expanded into the American market in 2000 and has since grown to over 90 vessels. Viking targets English-speaking travelers aged 55 and over, with no casinos or children under 18 allowed on board.
The success of Viking's IPO is a testament to the growing demand for luxury cruises among baby boomers, who are reportedly the richest demographic. Hagen believes that this group has both the time and money to enjoy such experiences.
Despite its impressive growth, Viking continues to offer personalized experiences tailored to its customers. The company is exploring different products such as safaris and land tours, as well as entering the Chinese market.
It's important to note that while both sources provide valuable information about Viking Holdings Ltd and its IPO, they share some similarities in their reporting. However, each source offers unique insights into the company's background, growth prospects, and target demographic. By combining these facts from both articles, we can create a comprehensive and engaging article that provides readers with a complete understanding of Viking Holdings Ltd and its recent success.