United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
First Choice acquires schools operator
First Choice has acquired specialist schools tour operator Travel Class.
The company, based in New Milton, Hampshire, operates overseas ski and UK-based activity holidays.
First Choice already runs a schools ski programme and educational tours in France in addition to the recent purchase of North American student operators. The group declined to divulge details of the purchase as it is in a closed period prior to the announcement of its interim financial results on June 13.
ABTA member Travel Class operates the brands Ski Class and Junior Choice Adventure (JCA) running UK summer camps for eight to 14 year olds.
The operator was subject of a management buy-out more than a year ago supported by venture capital firm Aberdeen Murray Johnston Private Equity. The MBO was led by managing director Ian Finlay, who joined the company in 2001. He declined to comment. Wexas managing director Steve Allen is chairman of Travel Class.
First Choice activity holidays sector managing director Nigel Jenkins declined to discuss details of the acquisition.
But confirmation of the deal is due to emerge as part of the half-year results announcement.
Report by Phil Davies
Related News Stories:
Phil Davies
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
Insights from James Ferrara on Inteletravel’s Growth and Future
Tricia Handley-Hughes on Inteletravel’s Growth and Challenges
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls