Summary
Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) announced on June 20, 2018, a change in its audit committee composition, which resulted in a notification of non-compliance with Nasdaq listing rules. Peter M. Kern resigned from the audit committee due to his appointment as Vice Chairman of the Company. While Mr. Kern remains on the Board of Directors, his departure from the audit committee temporarily reduces its size and potentially its independence as defined by Nasdaq. This event triggers a notice from Nasdaq indicating that Expedia Group no longer meets the requirement for an audit committee composed of at least three independent directors. The company has a cure period until its next annual meeting of stockholders or June 20, 2019, to rectify this situation by filling the vacancy. Investors should monitor Expedia's progress in appointing qualified independent directors to its audit committee to ensure continued compliance with Nasdaq listing standards.
Key Highlights
- 1Peter M. Kern resigned from Expedia's audit committee on June 20, 2018, in connection with his appointment as Vice Chairman.
- 2Mr. Kern will continue to serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors.
- 3Expedia Group received a notice from Nasdaq confirming non-compliance with Marketplace Rule 5605(c)(2) regarding audit committee independence.
- 4The non-compliance stems from the audit committee no longer having at least three 'independent directors' as defined by Nasdaq.
- 5Expedia Group has a cure period until its next annual meeting of stockholders or June 20, 2019, to regain compliance.
- 6The company intends to fill the audit committee vacancy expeditiously.