Sevenoaks Travel

Sevenoaks Travel Ltd, the town’s leading independent agency, has a new owner thanks to top local business advisers Meta Corporate Finance.

The deal, brokered by Meta Corporate Finance, the specialist corporate finance adviser based in Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells, will see Baldwins Travel Group acquire Sevenoaks Travel Ltd, a clear demonstration of its confidence in the travel agency business.

Alyson Howard, Director at Meta acted on behalf of the owners of Sevenoaks Travel, John and Barbara Piper.

"The travel industry is highly competitive, it was very obvious that the two businesses were a perfect fit in terms of client base and geography, creating a bigger Group with greater buying power and market share,” said Alyson Howard, adding: “The decision to expand by Baldwins highlights its ambition and confidence against the possible backdrop of the possibility of conflict with Iraq and economic uncertainty."

Baldwins Travel Group, which has its headquarters in Tunbridge Wells, and branches in Tonbridge and Maidstone, employs 46 people and has a turnover of £15m. The company is a member of the 900 strong Advantage Travel Centres network as is Sevenoaks Travel. The takeover of the Sevenoaks Travel operation, established in 1959 and purchased by John Piper in 1998, provides the Group with an even more solid foundation in West Kent with the momentum for further growth.

Ron Marks, Managing Director, Baldwins Travel Group, commented: “We are delighted as Kent’s leading independent travel agent to have acquired Sevenoaks Travel. The team is recognised as one of the best and most knowledgeable in the industry and we are pleased that they have joined our award-winning agencies.”

Commenting on the deal, John Piper of Sevenoaks Travel, said: “Alyson has worked with us since I purchased Sevenoaks Travel more than five years ago, providing on-going valuable business advice, which has helped us to grow.”

The deal will see Sevenoaks Travel’s seven employees transfer to Baldwins Travel Group with immediate effect.

Advisers

Corporate Finance: Alyson Howard, Meta Corporate Finance
Legal: Mark Rosser, Warners

 

 

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