Merseyside-based Travel Seen has secured a majority stake in eShores, a luxury tour operator.
- The acquisition is part of Travel Seen’s broader M&A strategy to scale its operations.
- Travel Seen’s turnover now approaches £20 million, reflecting its market growth.
- eShores, known for customised travel experiences, maintains its leadership team post-acquisition.
- Industry leaders back Travel Seen’s strategy to utilise social media to revolutionise travel.
Merseyside-based travel company Travel Seen has taken a significant step forward by acquiring a majority stake in Manchester-based luxury tour operator, eShores. This move aligns with its strategic ambitions to expand its influence within the travel sector through calculated mergers and acquisitions.
Following a series of acquisitions in late 2023, including high-end firms such as Aquilium Club and Vedere, the integration of eShores adds approximately £12 million to Travel Seen’s turnover, bringing their Total Travel Value (TTV) to about £20 million. This reflects a clear and ambitious trajectory aimed at establishing a strong foothold in the luxury tour market.
eShores specialises in offering bespoke travel experiences, particularly long-haul, multi-centre trips. Despite the acquisition, its current leadership duo, Gavin Lapidus and Nadine Brown, will continue in their roles, keeping continuity in service and retaining significant stakes in the company.
Briony Fagan, an investment director with Arete Capital, cited the strategic acquisition approach as leveraging existing management relationships and trust. By targeting firms with unrealised growth potential through off-market deals, Travel Seen can offer fair valuations while allowing owner-managed enterprises to de-risk.
The strategic backers of Travel Seen include entrepreneurially-minded individuals from the Northwest, supporting Jen Atkinson, who has previously demonstrated success in growing travel businesses. Their focus is not just on growth but also professionalising owner-managed business processes.
Travel Seen aims to harness the potential of social media, a disruptive force in various industries. Jen Atkinson envisions creating a highly interactive travel community within the UK, offering genuine and attractive travel deals through its carefully curated network of partners.
Travel Seen’s strategic growth underscores its intention to reshape the luxury travel industry’s landscape.
