We’re thrilled to have played a part in the successful acquisition of Gullivers Travel and Events International by Keith Prowse, the UK’s leading provider of sports hospitality and part of Compass Group UK. This transaction brings together two industry experts, creating an enhanced, all-in-one solution for sports fans seeking exceptional travel and hospitality experiences.
But our journey with Gullivers began long before this milestone.
It all started in 2016 when Gullivers was part of Travelopia under the TUI Group umbrella. Back then, Travelopia brought us in to assist with the sale of its portfolio to KKR. It was our first introduction to Gullivers, and little did we know it was the beginning of a long and rewarding partnership.
Fast forward to 2024, and Travelopia reached out to us again – this time to help with the sale of Gullivers Travel. As the process unfolded, they suggested we switch gears and work directly with the Gullivers team, ensuring there were no conflicts of interest. This shift allowed us to provide even more focused support during a pivotal time for the business.
Working closely with Gullivers, we guided the team through the regulatory change of control process – a crucial element of any transaction in the travel sector. Our role included:
- Mapping out all change-of-control requirements for Gullivers’ ATOL, IATA accreditation, and ABTA membership.
- Providing detailed advice for potential acquirers outside the travel industry on navigating regulatory expectations.
- Liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to ensure the application process was fair and transparent.
- Supporting Gullivers in securing the necessary bond and parental guarantee requested by the CAA.
- Ensuring accurate submission of all required director documentation.
Thanks to a collaborative effort, Gullivers successfully transitioned to its new chapter. A huge congratulations to Christine and Domi at Travelopia on their successful exit and to Nick and the Gullivers team for transitioning to new ownership.
We’re excited to continue supporting Gullivers as it transitions away from Travelopia and embarks on this exciting new phase under Keith Prowse’s leadership.
If you’re considering a sale, acquisition, or another strategic transition, we’d love to help. Get in touch with us to explore how we can support you on your journey.
If you like this, we think you’ll love:
- Supporting African Pride’s journey with a successful sale to First Class Holidays
- Our recent M&A work: October 2024
Join our newsletter
If you enjoyed this post, why not sign up to our newsletter? Get our latest blog posts, industry updates and exclusive content.
Sign up