01 October 2008

Kuoni buys luxury tour operator and agent

The Kuoni Group has acquired luxury tour operator and travel agency Carrier for an undisclosed sum.

The group said the acquisition of the Cheshire-based business further strengthens its position in the premium segment.

Carrier expects to report total turnover of Ã&#pound;36 million for the 2007/08 business year, which ended on September 30.

Its brand, 84 staff and its management team will be retained under the Kuoni ownership.

Carrier will be assigned to Kuoni UK within the Kuoni Group and will be integrated into Strategic Business Division Style.

Carrier specialises in customised travel arrangements worldwide, but mainly in in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and Europe.

"Carrier is a great enrichment for the Kuoni Group and for our activities in the UK market," says Reto Wilhelm, head of Strategic Business Division Style.

"We expect to generate a lot of synergies with CV and Kirker, our existing luxury brands, and we also see sizeable potential to collaborate in our marketing to Kuoni's high-end customers and Carrier's premium customer base."

"This is a key step for Kuoni, particularly given the fierce competition in the UK market," says Max E. Katz, CFO and speaker of the Group Executive Board.

"And in taking it, we are underlining our leading position within the premium segment."

By Bev Fearis