08 January 2010

WEXAS makes double acquisition

Specialist travel management company BJB Travel Partnership and its sister tour operation Best Served Holidays have been acquired by WEXAS.

The terms of the deal, which is being internally funded, are confidential, WEXAS said.

BJB Travel Partnership was founded in 1996 by Barry Jones and Michael McGing, and has major accounts across a wide range of business sectors, including marine and offshore.

Best Served Holidays is a specialist tour operation that primarily focuses on Scandinavian destinations launched two years ago.

Jones will continue to run BJB Travel Partnership, supported by McGing, and the team of 18 will operate from offices in Clerkenwell, London, as BJB Travel Partnership.

WEXAS comprises of three businesses - a leisure travel club, WEXAS Travel Management and White Star Cruises, an upmarket cruise agency. The company also publishes the Traveller Magazine and The Traveller’s Handbook.

Managing director Steve Allen said: "We’re delighted to welcome the BJB and Best Served teams into WEXAS, and are looking forward to working together to enhance our already good quality businesses.

"We are keen to grow all three of our businesses and this move strengthens our corporate travel arm whilst also enabling us to compete in the highly specialised marine and offshore markets.

"Whilst 2010 will be another challenging year for the travel industry, we are confident that it’s also an opportunity for renewal".

Jones said: "We’re excited to be partnering WEXAS, as we know that we can add further value for our clients and also enhance the career opportunities for our team.

"I’m proud of the business that we’ve created and I’m very confident that the next chapter will see us go from strength to strength."

by Phil Davies