NEWS ROUND-UP
A&K in talks to acquire UK arm of Cox & Kings
Amie Keeley
Abercrombie & Kent is in advanced discussions about acquiring the UK division of upmarket operator Cox & Kings. A&K said its proposal would
safeguard all current and future bookings and employees of Cox & Kings UK, and involve new investment in the business. The UK arm of Cox & Kings
was reported to be seeking new investors earlier this month amid a funding crisis at its India-based parent company of the same name. The operator specialises in luxury
tours and holidays around the world. It employs about 80 staff in the UK. The search for new backers
follows financial difficulties at Cox & Kings India, which defaulted on loan repayments in June. The Indian company was a
large shareholder in Malvern Group, the owner of Super Break
MAJOR OFFICE:
Trade-only operator Major Travel has officially opened its Peterborough office near the former headquarters of Thomas Cook. The event was attended by Peterborough Mayor Gul Nawaz and local MP Lisa Forbes. The business has employed 20 former Thomas Cook staff, including three team leaders: Adrian Parsley, Rute Magalhaes and Candy Homes; and Ann Ashley, who will be assistant product manager. From left: Ashley, Magalhaes, Parsley, Nawaz, Homes and Forbes.
8 28 NOVEMBER 2019
travelweekly.co.uk
and LateRooms, which went into administration in August. Geoffrey Kent, A&K founder
and co-chairman, said: “I am excited at the prospect of adding the Cox & Kings UK business to the Abercrombie & Kent family.
Geoffrey Kent, A&K
I am excited at the
prospect of adding Cox & Kings UK to the Abercrombie & Kent family
“The acquisition will expand
our portfolio of product offerings in the UK, particularly with their established escorted touring programme. This is just the start of our growth plans in the UK and globally.” Kerry Golds, A&K’s managing
director, added: “We’re committed to investing in Cox & Kings. It’s a renowned brand with an experienced and dedicated team that I’m looking forward to working with. “I’m confident that with their
strong trade relationships and loyal client base, we can take Cox & Kings to the next level.”
Viking terminates agency’s agreement
Compass Travel owner John Stephens said his agency agreement with Viking Cruises had been terminated. It is the latest business Travel Weekly has learnt about that has either had its commission cut or lost its deal altogether with the line. Viking last week said it “reviews partnerships on a regular basis”.
EasyJet relaunches holidays division
EasyJet is to relaunch easyJet Holidays this week. It was due to unveil a new website and TV advert today (Thursday). The operator is offering 500 hotels for beach and city breaks in 100 destinations and is targeting one million passengers in its first year.
One Ocean Expeditions
cancels fourth cruise One Ocean Expeditions has scrapped a fourth consecutive voyage. The Antarctic Peninsula Adventure sailing was due to depart on December 1 but was pulled on Monday. The line said a restructure had “created complications”.
PICTURE: Steve Dunlop
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
