Houlihan Lokey Advises Victoria Travel Group
Victoria Travel Group, a portfolio company of Bridgepoint, has been acquired by Hays Travel
Sellside Advisor
Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Victoria Travel Group Ltd., a portfolio company of Bridgepoint Advisers (Bridgepoint), including its recognised brands Cruise.co.uk, Seascanner, and the German division Kreuzfahrtberater.de, has been acquired by Hays Travel Ltd. (Hays).
The transaction was signed and completed on 29 July 2025.
Victoria Travel Group has built a commanding reputation for its digital-first approach, expert cruise content, and customer-centric service. In its most recent financial year, Victoria Travel Group reported a total transaction value of £252 million, reflecting its strong market presence and customer loyalty in the U.K. and Germany.
The transaction sees existing majority shareholder Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, exit the Victoria Travel Group business following a strong period of growth.
As part of the acquisition, Chris Gardner, Victoria Travel Group Chief Executive, will continue to lead the business, alongside Carl Tromans, Group Chief Financial Officer, Tony Andrews, U.K. Managing Director, and Tom Reiter, German Managing Director.
Hays is the U.K.’s largest independent travel agent, with almost 500 branches across the U.K. and 4,500 employees. Customers trust Hays for its friendly and professional colleagues, and it was voted the nation’s favourite for a second year, winning three gold awards at the British Travel Awards 2024: “Best National Travel Retailer,” ”Best Travel Agency for Cruise Holidays,” and ”Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money.”
Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Hays’ Chief Operating Officer, and Jo Rzymowska, Hays’ Non-Executive Director and a respected cruise industry leader, will join the Victoria Travel Group board, adding further strategic insight and experience.
Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive sellside advisor to Victoria Travel Group.
This deal further underscores Houlihan Lokey’s expertise in the travel sector.
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