Stella Travel Services UK will operate as a stand-alone business unit as part of a demerger by the Australian parent company.
Stella Group has demerged its travel and hospitality operations to create two separately managed, financed and independently operated businesses.
In what was described as a “comprehensive corporate restructure and recapitalisation to position its businesses for future performance, long term stability and growth,” the Stella Travel Services Group will be run as two separate business units – Stella Travel Services Australia/New Zealand, and Stella Travel Services UK.
Stella Hospitality Group has assumed A$245 million of long-term debt. Stella
Travel Services Australia/New Zealand has assumed A$40 million of long-term debt.
Stella Travel Services UK, which runs Global Travel Group, Travel 2 and Travelbag.co.uk, will have no debt other than existing bonding, a statement said.
Stella Hospitality Group will continue to operate a portfolio of more than 140 resorts, hotels and apartments encompassing the Peppers, Mantra and Breakfree brands.
Stella Travel Services UK CEO Andrew Botterill said: “As a focused UK travel business, we can now manage our operations according to the specific needs of our
customers, suppliers and members.
“Importantly, this restructure and recapitalisation has a significant positive impact on our balance sheet, and has been welcomed by regulators, industry bodies and key trading partners.
“It will also provide certainty and confidence for the individual businesses who are connected to Stella Travel Services through our various retail networks and to the many independent agency groups that continue to support Travel2.
“The vote of confidence from our investors and parent company in the UK market is a very positive message for the industry overall.”
A further announcement on a rebranding of Stella Hospitality Group’s business-to-business operations is expected in the coming weeks.
Each of the businesses Stella Hospitality Group and the Stella Travel Services Group will continue to be majority owned and controlled by funds advised by CVC Asia Pacific.
“The restructure and recapitalisation ensures the long-term stability of each business, significantly enhancing liquidity through a combination of additional equity capital, access to working capital facilities as well as the appropriate allocation of long-term debt consistent with the current trading conditions,” the company said.
Group chairman Andrew Cummins said: “We have reached a significant milestone in our long-term plan to strengthen the Stella Group of companies.
“We have completed the restructuring and recapitalisation of the group, ensuring each of Stella Hospitality Group and the Stella Travel Services Group has a solid balance sheet, access to substantial liquidity and most importantly, a solid and stable platform to grow as the hospitality and travel markets recover, following challenging market conditions over the past 12 months.”
Cummins added: “This is a fundamental and positive change for Stella Group – the restructure significantly strengthens the financial position of each of the businesses and provides long term stability for all key stakeholders.
“It will enable us to maintain our focus on delivering a high level of service to our clients and customers while providing opportunities for our staff and associates.”
Stella Hospitality Group CEO Bob East said: “Whilst the market continues to be challenging, our business has proven to be very resilient, with strong support for our business model from our stakeholders.
“The separation and recapitalisation sets the foundation for the years ahead and provides us with a fantastic platform to grow Stella Hospitality Group’s position in the Australasian market.”
by Phil Davies
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