Frome-based independent travel agents Travel Angels, which has eight branches across the West, has been sold to Midcounties Co-op Travel for an undisclosed sum.
Managing director Peter Grayson and director David Logan founded the business in 1993 with its first outlet in Frome. It has since built a loyal customer base across its network which now includes branches in Melksham, Street, Warminster, Swindon, Shaftesbury, Gillingham and Chard.
The shops will continue to trade under their existing name and the jobs of all 35 staff have been secured.
Following the sale, which completes on September 14, Mr Grayson will remain as a consultant to integrate the business into Midcounties.
The move, which takes the number of branches in Warwickshire-based Midcounties’ travel agent network to 50, is part of its strategic expansion programme to identify key independent businesses. It recently opened a branch at Bristol Airport.
Group general manager travel services at Midcounties, Alistair Rowland, said: “We are delighted to acquire these branches for our growing network and to establish a presence in the South West. Our aim is to become one of the leading independent retailers in the country and this move fits with that strategy.
“Travel Angels chose to sell to us because, like them, we are customer focussed and have similar values and ethics. We are a community retailer, which is also one of their strengths, and we look forward to developing our business in this key region.”
Mr Grayson added: “All privately-owned businesses have to address succession issues. In Midcounties we have found the right successor to ensure its continuity and long-term future and also to maintain our ethos. We are a traditional high street travel agent whose success has been built on establishing relationships between staff and customers and understanding their travel needs. We have proved that the retail model is alive and well and the new owner can help to develop the business further.”
