Sabre Corporation, a global travel technology company, has entered into a strategic governance agreement with Constellation Software Inc., a diversified provider of vertical market software businesses and a beneficial owner of about 12.7% of Sabre’s outstanding shares.
The agreement follows discussions between the two companies and will result in Damian McKay joining Sabre’s board of directors as a Constellation representative. McKay currently serves as the chief executive officer of Vela Software Group, an operating group division of Constellation that acquires and manages vertical-market software businesses worldwide.
Sabre said the agreement reflects alignment between the two companies, with Constellation continuing to act as a minority investor and long-term strategic partner. The arrangement also ends Sabre’s limited-duration shareholder rights plan that the company announced on March 1, 2026. The terms of the governance agreement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as part of a Form 8-K.
McKay has led Vela Software Group since 2020 and previously joined the organization in 2015, when Vela acquired Datamine, where he had served as CEO. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles in the energy sector, including general manager of energy services for Australia and New Zealand at GE Energy. He has also worked at AGL Power and the electric utilities CitiPower and Powercor.
Sabre said McKay’s experience building and scaling vertical-market software companies will support the company’s strategy as it advances its travel technology platform and focuses on long-term growth and innovation across the travel ecosystem.
Constellation Software, which trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CSU, acquires, manages and builds software businesses serving specific industry verticals.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are pleased to reach this agreement with Constellation, which validates the progress we’ve made to sharpen our focus toward ushering in the next age of travel, underpinned by new and underpenetrated growth opportunities. We look forward to continuing to build a productive partnership together that focuses on long-term growth, durable returns, and accelerating innovation across the travel ecosystem.”
Kurt Ekert, President And CEO, Sabre
“We are pleased to welcome Damian to the Sabre Board. Damian is an experienced leader who brings a deep understanding of vertical market software businesses and the complex industries that they support. His perspective and relevant expertise will be valuable as Sabre continues to execute on our strategic priorities.”
Gail Mandel, Chair Of The Board Of Directors, Sabre
“Sabre is a great company in a highly attractive market. Global travel continues at record levels, and our investment in Sabre reflects our confidence in the Company. We are pleased to work with the Sabre Board and management team as a minority investor and long-term strategic partner.”
Mark Miller, President, Constellation Software
“I am excited to join the Sabre Board. I am committed to contributing my experience to support Sabre’s continued success in delivering value to clients and shareholders.”
Damian McKay, Chief Executive Officer, Vela Software Group
