Hays Travel completes first online travel agency acquisition
The Sunderland-based firm has acquired Victoria Travel Group, a major online cruise travel business.
Included in the deal are the group's brands cruise.co.uk, Seascanner, and the German division Kreuzfahrtberater.de.
The deal includes the group's brands, cruise.co.uk, Seascanne (Image: Supplied)
Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: "This deal is an exciting and significant milestone for us.
"This is our first online travel agency acquisition and a major step in our ambition to expand our footprint in the global cruise market.
"We have been hugely impressed by the strength of the Victoria Travel Group and we are delighted to welcome Chris, Carl, Tony, and Tom to our business.
"We look forward to working alongside them, exploring opportunities and learning from each other as we seek to continuously improve the choice, experience, and value we offer our customers."
The acquisition follows a period of strong growth for Victoria Travel Group under majority shareholder Bridgepoint, who will now exit the business.
Known for its digital-first approach, the group reported a total transaction value of £252 million in its most recent financial year.
Chris Gardner, chief executive of Victoria Travel Group, said: "We're delighted to be joining the Hays Travel family.
"Their values, customer-first approach, and long-term vision align with ours.
"This partnership opens up exciting opportunities to grow our brands and deliver even more value to cruise customers in the UK and internationally."
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Victoria Travel Group employs more than 270 people.
Hays Travel has confirmed there are no plans to change roles or reporting lines.
As part of the deal, Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, chief operating officer of Hays Travel, and Jo Rzymowska, non-executive director, will join the Victoria Travel Group board.
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