Leading tour operator acquires rival

Leger Holidays, the UK’s biggest provider of European coach holidays, has strengthened its position in the marketplace with the acquisition of rival European coach operator Consort Travel for an undisclosed sum.

Leger confirmed that the Consort Travel brand, which carries more than 6,000 holidaymakers annually, would be retained.

Consort Travel, which built its reputation on providing direct-only quality holidays at value-for-money prices, offers a range ten to 13-day tours, selling direct to the public through national newspaper adverts, and is particularly strong for holidays in Croatia and Italy.

Not only do the two companies’ range of holidays mirror one another, a year separates the date they were founded (1983 for Leger and 1984 for Consort) and their headquarters in South Yorkshire are just 3 miles apart.

Huw Williams, Marketing Director at Leger Holidays, said: “There are many similarities between the two businesses, not least the range and type of holidays we both provide.

“For us this represents the ideal acquisition scenario whereby we can expand our market share significantly while minimising the risk of losing any of our core business focus.

“Like ours, the Consort Travel brand has 25 years’ great heritage and that’s something we want to maintain and build on so the brand will be retained.”

In February this year Leger acquired the short breaks and Disneyland Resort Paris business of Leisure Direction after it was put into administration – however, it should be noted that the Consort Travel deal is a straight acquisition of a successful rival.

For further information about Leger Holidays visit Legerbreaks.info.