They become the TMC’s seventh and eighth acquisitions in four years and follow November’s purchase of Giles Travel. The group now has offices in London, Amersham, Cambridge, Colchester, Leamington Spa and Manchester.
“It has long been an ambition of mine to re-establish a Gray Dawes presence in the North West and the opportunity to acquire the INC. Travel corporate and marine business was just too good to miss,” says Suzanne Horner, CEO of Gray Dawes Group.
“Bill Tannahill and the whole team at INC. Travel Group have done a superb job at establishing a reputation for excellence and building their business over a relatively short period of time.”
Horner continues: “As with all the acquisitions we have chosen to make, there are huge synergies between our corporate cultures and passion for service. I’m truly excited to be working with the team at our new Manchester office.”
Outgoing CEO at INC. Travel, Bill Tannahill, who will retain the Fairway International sports business that was previously part of INC. Travel, adds: “I am in no doubt that this acquisition is in the very best interests of INC. Travel’s staff and corporate and marine clients alike.
“INC. Travel has been on an exciting journey these past few years and bringing in the infectious drive and ambition of Suzanne and the whole team at Gray Dawes will further enhance the range of services available to our loyal clients”.
Commenting on the acquisition of VIP Leisure Travel Ltd, Horner says: “The VIP Leisure business complements well with Gray Dawes’ own corporate events and leisure offering and Peter Squires and his team are bringing some unique knowledge and skills to our existing business”.
Prior to the two acquisitions, Gray Dawes annual turnover stood at around £170million including the business of Giles Travel.
