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Muckle advises nationally renowned travel agent on North West expansion

26th Sep 2023 | Corporate Finance | Corporate Services
Dame Irene Hays in front of a white wall with the Hays Travel logo

Lawyers from our corporate team have advised Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, on its acquisition of Just Go Travel.

The deal involves the acquisition by Hays Travel of 45 of Just Go Travel’s 46 shops based across North Wales and the North West of England. Just Go Travel owner and managing director Don Bircham will retain the original shop in Mold, North Wales, which will operate under the Hays Travel brand.

Strengthening national presence

Dame Irene Hays, owner of Hays Travel, said: “This acquisition has come at a perfect time for Hays Travel as we focus on executing our strategic priorities around cruise and experiential travel. I wish Don all the very best success for the future.”

Don said: "Although there has to be an element of sadness that my journey has come to an end, it gives me great comfort that all my staff have found a great home with Hays Travel, our partners for over 20 years.

"All 300 jobs are safe and secure, with little disruption to day-to-day activity and better opportunities for career development and progression.”

Longstanding advisers

Philip Clare, partner in our corporate team, led on the acquisition and he was supported by Josh Campbell, solicitor, Sophie Cragg, trainee solicitor, and Ben Evans, solicitor apprentice (and newly qualified solicitor) in our corporate team.

Philip said: “We are delighted to have helped Hays Travel on its acquisition of Just Go Travel. It is great to see a regionally based business continuing with its growth strategy and we are proud to have played a small part in that”.

Ken Campling, CFO at Hays Travel, said: “We have worked with Muckle for a long time on various acquisitions; in fact, the team advised us when Hays Travel first partnered with Just Go Travel. We know we can rely on Philip and the team to get the job done”.

For more information on how our corporate team can support your business, please contact Philip using [email protected] or 0191 211 7971.

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