02 October 2008

Qwerty MD strikes deal with owners youtravel.com

Qwerty Travel managing director Matt Somers has purchased the call centre agency for an undisclosed sum after agreeing a deal with its owner youtravel.com.

Youtravel.com bought Qwerty Travel in October 2006, just as the company launched.

Sales and marketing director Paul Riches explained: Ã¢â¬ÅâœWhen we first launched youtravel.com in the UK, acquiring Qwerty Travel gave us guaranteed distribution from day one.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœSince then we have expanded our distribution network across both UK and international markets, and now have more than 3500 agents now signed up with us.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThis new deal now makes perfect sense for both parties. We will retain our relationship with Qwerty Travel in future but they will be able to expand into other markets where we do not currently operate.Ã¢â¬~

The buy-out agreement includes a long-term distribution deal between the two.

Somers said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœWeÃ¢â¬â¢ve had a great relationship with youtravel.com for almost two years however the time has come for the two businesses to go their separate ways.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIÃ¢â¬â¢ve got plans to expand the business in both terms of staff levels and breadth of product, by becoming a totally independent business this can happen far more easily.Ã¢â¬~

The 30-strong Qwerty Travel team are moving from youtravel.comÃ¢â¬â¢s offices in Woking, Surrey to Frimley, Surrey.

By Bev Fearis