German online travel agent Dreamlines has acquired Manchester-based Cruise 1st after several weeks of talks over a transaction.
The value of the acquisition has not been disclosed, but the move signals Dreamlines entry into the UK market.
Cruise1st, which launched in 2000, has more than 180 employees, while Dreamlines has more than 400 team members across the globe in more than 10 countries.
Daniel Townsley, Cruise1st’s chief executive, said: “Combining the hugely successful global OTAs with out own proficiency and database of customers in the UK, Australia and Singapore will drive higher sales volumes and margins and deliver huge growth for the business.”
Felix Schneider, Dreamlines managing director, said entering the UK market was an “important milestone” within the company’s global market strategy.
He said: “We are expanding our role in the market and will strengthen our position as the cruise OTA with the widest global footprint.
“Cruise1st enables us to offer our customers even more unique holiday products.”
Travel Weekly reported the two companies were in talks over a potential transaction in February.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited is no longer a shareholder in Cruise1st.