Helping Hays Acquire Bath Travel

HAYS Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, has completed the acquisition of Bath Travel, the south’s largest independent travel agent.

Founded in 1924 and based in Bournemouth, Bath Travel has 60 branches and employs 360 people with annual sales in excess of £100 million.

Bath Travel will continue as the trading name of the agencies and all staff will remain in their jobs.

John Hays, managing director of Hays Travel, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the Bath family. Throughout all of our discussions they’ve been really open, everything’s been really constructive and they’ve been really concerned that their business – which has been part of their family for over 50 years – goes to a good home. I’m really pleased that they feel that Hays Travel is a good home.

“I’m delighted that the Bath family saw Hays Travel as a company, and an organisation, where the values of Bath Travel would be continued.

“The values of Bath Travel are of independent and knowledgeable, personal service. The Bath Travel brand is synonymous with quality and service and we will retain the brand.

“This acquisition reinforces Hays Travel’s position as the UK’s largest independent travel agent and prepares the group well for the future.”

Muckle LLP’s Associate Solicitor, Philip Clare, said: “It was great for the team at Muckle LLP to work with John and his team at Hays Travel on this acquisition. It really is good to see a local business make such an exciting acquisition and we are looking forward to seeing the development of the Hays Travel group going forward.”

Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agency with over 30 years experience in providing good value, quality holidays, alongside exceptional customer service. The company has 43 retail shops and employs over 800 people, pulling in an annual turnover of more than £500 million.

For more information, help or advice please contact Philip Clare on 0191 211 7971.