The newly created JG Travel Group, formerly Just Go! Holidays, has acquired Omega Holiday Group as it sets its sights on becoming a “formidable player” in the mature traveller market.
JG Travel Group officially launches on Friday (September 8), boasting a turnover of more than £35 million and target market of customers aged 60 to 80.
It is undertaking a business overview and has yet to make any decisions about locations or staff. JGTG is based in Cheltenham and Omega in Lancaster.
The group has pledged to develop strong partnerships with travel agents, targeting 20% of sales via the trade within two years. Group tours specialist Just Go! Holidays has never worked proactively with the trade.
The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is the first of a number planned by JG Travel Group by 2020, backed by private equity firm Kings Park Capital.
Omega Holidays Group includes tour operator Omega Holidays, which carries more than 80,000 passengers a year, and cruise agency Cruise Connections.
Omega is known for UK tours, particularly London theatre breaks, and began selling through agents – who account for about 12% of sales – three years ago.
The brands join Just Go! Holidays, which carries more than 70,000 passengers a year and works closely with The National Trust and inbound operator Albion Journeys.
JG Travel Group chairman and chief executive Luis Arteaga said the deal signalled the start of growth through acquisition of operators.
“Now we have a collection of brands, we have a lot more to offer,” he said, adding that the group would tap into Omega’s network of agents “in a big way”.
Former OHG owner Nigel Adams has become commercial director of JGTG but remains director of Omega and Cruise Connections.
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