US firm paid £36 million for Glasgow-based Barrhead Travel
US firm Travel Leaders paid £36 million for its acquisition of Glasgow-based Barrhead Travel, it was revealed at a tribunal this week.
Founder and former chairman Bill Munro is suing Travel Leaders for unfair dismissal after being made redundant months after the takeover.
Munro launched the Scottish retailer in 1975 and retained 25% of the business following a management buyout.
However, during the negatiations to sell the business to the US firm, a foul-mouthed email was sent by Travel Leaders’ senior vice-president Jonathan Knapp about Munro saying: "F*** him! I’m happy to acquiesce but my recommendation is to serve him notice day one after completion."
In the end, Munro, aged 75, was made redundant three months after the takeover after he refused to move to a new role with Travel Leaders UK because he didn’t want to give up his 42 years’ continuous service with Barrhead and risk losing his employment rights.
The tribunal hearing in Glasgow continues.
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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