Ski consolidation as Inghams parent buys Esprit
Monday, 12 May, 2010
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Inghams and Inntravel parent company Hotelplan UK has acquired Enigma Travel Group, comprising Esprit Holidays and Ski Total for an undisclosed sum.
Inghams CEO Litsa Constantinou has decided to leave the business to “seek new challenges”.
Enigma managing director Andy Perrin becomes group CEO of Hotelplan UK.
Perrin bringing 29 years experience in specialist travel and the ski sector to the role, including time at Crystal Holidays, TUI’s Specialist Holidays Group, and Enigma since 2002.
Enigma’s ex-KPMG financial controller Andrew Stewart becomes new group CFO.
Enigma chairman and founder Peter Dyer will continue to lead the team at Esprit and Ski Total from their offices in Fleet, Hampshire, and becomes vice chairman of Hotelplan UK.
Hans Lerch, vice chairman and CEO of Swiss parent Hotelplan Group and chairman of Hotelplan UK, said: “This deal positions the enlarged Hotelplan UK group to build on our long-standing position as a formidable force in the ski sector and in specialist travel generally, particularly through the retail trade, with whom we enjoy such a strong relationship already.
“Enigma’s strength in the family and chalet sectors perfectly complements Inghams’ strength in hotels and apartments, and we will of course continue to operate under all these three well respected and highly differentiated brand names.”
Esprit has been established for 28 years and operates Esprit Ski, the UK’s market-leading family ski specialist, Esprit Santa’s Lapland, offering family short breaks to Finnish Lapland each December, and a summer programme, Esprit Family Adventures.
Ski Total has also been operating since 1982, and is a specialist for adult skiers and groups in the catered chalet and chalet hotel sector.
Perrin said: “I have admired Inghams as a competitor throughout my entire career, and it’s a dream come true to be involved here.
“Between Inghams, Esprit and Ski Total, Hotelplan UK now has indisputably the most exciting product range and brand names in the ski sector, and I look forward to working with our agent partners to develop and grow all aspects of this fantastic group of companies.”
In addition to its Ski and Luxury Ski programmes, Inghams established 75 years ago is the UK leader in Lakes & Mountains holidays, and also offers Inghams Villas in nine countries, as well as the Just France villa programme.
Walking and cycling specialist Inntravel is also part of the Hotelplan UK Group.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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