Smooth sailing for Hays Travel as it acquires Cruise.co.uk

Lawyers in our corporate finance team have advised longstanding client Hays Travel on its acquisition of Victoria Travel Group, the parent company behind Cruise.co.uk.

This move bolsters Hays’ presence in the online cruise retail space and marks its debut acquisition of an online travel agency. Muckle has now advised Hays Travel on a number of acquisitions in recent years as it continues with its growth strategy, including its acquisition of Miles Morgan Travel and Just Go Travel.

The transaction includes the addition of both the Seascanner brand and the German cruise platform Kreuzfahrtberater.de – marking Hays Travel’s first expansion into the international market. The deal follows a period of strong performance for Victoria Travel Group, which posted a total transaction value of £252 million in its latest financial year.

Like-minded ambitions

Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “We have been hugely impressed by the strength of the Victoria Travel Group.

“Their innovative approach to online cruise retailing and the calibre of their management team make Victoria Travel a compelling addition to our business, which aligns with our cruise strategy and growth ambitions.”

Leading advice

Partners Stephanie Brown and Philip Clare led on the deal, with support from Ben Evans, a solicitor in our corporate team.

Stephanie said: “It's been great to work on this deal to support the sustained growth of Hays Travel, especially as it extends its reach into key international markets.”

Ken Campling, financial director at Hays Travel, said, “As always, the corporate team at Muckle provided timely, professional, and expert advice that was essential to us closing the deal. We enjoy working with Muckle and see them as a valued extension of our team.”

For more information, please contact Stephanie using 0191 211 7991 or [email protected]