Hays Travel has announced its most significant acquisition since securing the licence to operate the entire Thomas Cook estate of over 500 branches in October 2019 – saving 2,200 jobs.

The UK’s largest independent travel agency has acquired leading online cruise travel business Victoria Travel Group Limited, including its recognised brands cruise.co.uk, Seascanner, and the German division Kreuzfahrtberater.de.

The transaction sees existing majority shareholder Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, exit the Victoria Travel Group business following a strong period of growth.

Victoria Travel Group has built a commanding reputation for its digital-first approach, expert cruise content, and customer-centric service. The group reported a total transaction value of £252 million in its most recent financial year, reflecting its strong market presence and customer loyalty in the UK and Germany.

As part of the latest acquisition, Chris Gardner, Victoria Travel Group Chief Executive, will continue to lead the business, alongside Carl Tromans, Group Chief Financial Officer; Tony Andrews, UK Managing Director; and Tom Reiter, German Managing Director. Victoria Travel employs over 270 people and Hays Travel has no plans to change their roles or reporting lines. 

Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “This deal is an exciting and significant milestone for us.

“This is our first online travel agency acquisition and a major step in our ambition to expand our footprint in the global cruise market.

“We have been hugely impressed by the strength of the Victoria Travel Group and we are delighted to welcome Chris, Carl, Tony and Tom to our business.

“We look forward to working alongside them, exploring opportunities and learning from each other as we seek to continuously improve the choice, experience and value we offer our customers.”

Chris Gardner, Victoria Travel Group Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the Hays Travel family.

“Their values, customer-first approach, and long-term vision align with ours. This partnership opens up exciting opportunities to grow our brands and deliver even more value to cruise customers in the UK and internationally.”

Jo Rzymowska, a non-executive director of Hays Travel, and Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, will join the Victoria Travel Group board as non-executive directors.