Broadfield has advised Artisan Travel Holding Limited, trading as The Artisan Travel Company, on the acquisition of Travel Editions Group Ltd. Artisan are backed by, and the transaction was funded by, Panoramic Growth Equity.
The acquisition, which completed on 15 November 2024, follows the retirement of Travel Editions founders Ed Coventry and John Dryden.
Artisan Travel offers independent tailor-made travel ‘experiences’ under multiple travel brands, including The Aurora Zone dedicated to Northern Lights trips. Founded in 2002, the company is led by CEO Amy Hope following a private equity-backed management buy-out in September 2023.
Travel Editions was established in 1994 and has built a strong and loyal customer following for its heritage and cultural tours. The business will continue to be led by its general manager Julie Martin and her experienced team.
The transaction further demonstrates Broadfield’s extensive expertise in M&A and private equity activity in the travel sector.
The Broadfield team in Southampton was led by Corporate Partners Oliver Kelly and Sean Kelly, Leah Houghton (Associate), Fin McKenzie (Solicitor Apprentice), David Crease (Solicitor), Rebecca Motchman (Senior Associate) and Rebecca Swift (Trainee Solicitor).
Specialist tax advice was provided by BDB Partner Philip Alfandary and employment law advice by Senior Associate Chris Green. Stewart Lambert of the Firebird Partnership and IBB Law advised the shareholders of Travel Editions and Weightmans Scotland acted for The Artisan Travel Company’s private equity investors.
Oliver Kelly said: “Having advised Ian Finlay and Amy Hope and The Artisan Travel Company on its management buy-out last year, it was great to advise them on this important acquisition. It was a challenging deal, with Civil Aviation Authority regulatory consent required as both companies are ATOL registered. It was great to work, and to be in the trenches again, with Ian who has been a long standing and highly valued client of the firm and to work again with the excellent teams at Panoramic Growth Equity and Stewart Lambert and his team at Firebird.
“Broadfield has a strong reputation and track record in the travel industry, advising businesses on mergers, acquisitions, disposals, MBOs and on taking external investment.”
Amy Hope, Chief Executive Officer at The Artisan Travel Company said: “We are thrilled to be working with the team at Travel Editions, with our two brands sharing a common passion for bringing extraordinary travel experiences to our loyal customers.
“I am also grateful to the team at Broadfield and the expert advice they have provided steering us through this acquisition. The firm’s knowledge and understanding of the travel sector is second to none.”
