Core Viewpoint - Allegiant Travel Co. is acquiring Sun Country Airlines Holdings Inc. in a $1.5 billion cash-and-stock deal, indicating ongoing consolidation in the US airline industry amid rising competition [1]. Group 1: Transaction Details - Sun Country shareholders will receive 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock and $4.10 in cash per share, representing a 20% premium over Sun Country's closing price prior to the announcement [2]. - Following the announcement, Sun Country's shares increased by as much as 18% to $18.54 in premarket trading, while Allegiant's shares remained relatively stable [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The merger will create a combined entity with over 650 routes, including 18 international destinations across Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America, leveraging Allegiant's presence in smaller markets and Sun Country's focus on larger cities with minimal overlap [3]. - Both airlines primarily target price-sensitive US vacationers, and the merger aims to enhance their competitive position against larger carriers like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines [4]. Group 3: Industry Context - The deal unites the ninth- and twelfth-largest airlines in the US, following Alaska Air Group's merger with Hawaiian Airlines, suggesting a trend of consolidation among smaller carriers seeking to compete more effectively [6]. - Other potential mergers are on the horizon, as Frontier Group Holdings is pursuing a merger with Spirit Aviation Holdings, which has faced significant challenges, including a recent bankruptcy [6].