THE Kuoni Group has bought Kirker Holidays from owners ECI Partners LLP and its management team for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition, which was announced on Monday, has been made as part of Kuoni’s on-going business strategy of further moving into premium and specialist tailor-made holidays and focusing on short-haul trips.
Although the cost of the company, which was founded in 1986, remains a secret, the operator did achieve a turnover of £17.8 million last year and employs 45 members of staff.
The Kirker brand will be maintained while the company will remain an independent unit as one of the Kuoni UK companies.
Kuoni Group chief executive Armin Meier said: “With their range of products, particularly in the premium short-haul arena, Kirker Holidays is an excellent addition to our portfolio.”
Kirker directors Ted Wake and Andrew Layard will remain in their current positions, however, managing director John MacNeill’s future role remains unclear although it is believed in the future he will help the Kuoni Group on specific projects worldwide.
MacNeill said: “We have achieved all our key objectives with this sale. These were focused on a secure environment for staff at Kirker over the coming years, the freedom to maintain our successful relationships with independent agents, and our passion for delivering excellent service to clients.
“Kuoni’s motivation for the purchase is to acquire a profitable, premium travel business which has a bright future, a talented team of enthusiastic staff and some well-developed plans for future expansion.”