Ski specialist Erna Low sold for undisclosed sum
Europe’s oldest ski company, Erna Low Travel, has been bought by university snowsport specialist NUCO Travel for an undisclosed sum.
The sale comes as Erna Low boss Joanna Yellowlees-Bound retires after 37 years in charge.
Erna Low Travel was founded in 1932 by Erna Low, pioneer of the British ski holiday and creator of the British ski chalet party. It features mainly the French Alps but also sells ski packages to North America and the rest of the world. It employs seven staff full-time at its London office.
Founded in 2012, Cheadle-based NUCO Travel has carried over 130,000 of young skiers in its first seven years and is the UK’s leading student ski specialist. It also organises stag, hen and group trips to the French Alps. The company employs 16 people at its premises in Greater Manchester.
Yellowlees-Bound, who has owned Erna Low Travel since Miss Low’s retirement in the late 1990’s, said: "Just as Erna favoured me to take over her life’s work, I am now delighted to pass on the mantle to the next generation, and who better than an innovative and thriving ski company such as NUCO Travel, which I have known since its inception and where I am a minority shareholder.
"With Erna Low Travel managing director Jane Bolton ensuring our values remain a priority, I know the company will continue to blossom as part of the NUCO family."
NUCO MD Danny Nugent added: "I am excited to bring Erna Low which is such a respected family brand, with their experienced and talented team, into the NUCO family. I know both companies will benefit from working together and look forward to ensuring even more snowsports enthusiasts enjoy the very best holidays with us."
Erna Low will continue to be based in its London offices. A company spokeswman said any staff changes have yet to be confirmed, but Bolton will remain as Erna Low MD. Yellowlees-Bound will remain as owner and CEO of Erna Low Property.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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