Skift Take
As with lots of cash and stock deals, the ultimate outcome will depend on Upgrade's eventual exit, and how that turns out. On the face of it, though, this deal looks underwhelming for Uplift.
This is not necessarily a buy now and pay later acquisition — Fintech firm Upgrade agreed to acquire Uplift for $100 million in cash and stock.
Sunnyvale, California-based Uplift is, of course, a buy now pay later firm that it said counts 300 airlines, cruise lines and hotel chains as distributors. They provide their customers with various plans to take out loans through Uplift to vacation now, and worry about the payments later.
Partners include Emirates, United, Southwest, Norwegian Cruise Line, Universal Studios Hollywood, Wyndham Hotels, and many more.
“We are thrilled to welcome Uplift team members, partners and customers to Upgrade,” said Renaud Laplanche, co-founder and CEO at Upgrade in a statement announcing the deal . “The Uplift team has established the company as the leadi