Gray Dawes Group has taken over rival travel management specialist Giles Travel for an undisclosed sum.
The deal takes family-owned Gray Dawes Group’s turnover to more than £150 million and pushes staff numbers above 200.
The move sees Giles Travel’s specialist MICE division Globe, leisure division World by Design and brand and marketing agency Square1 join the Gray Dawes Group.
Gray Dawes CEO Suzanne Horner said: “This is an exciting period for Gray Dawes, our employees and loyal clients.
“Our company has grown rapidly through organic sales and acquisition; this latest chapter in our development is the jewel in the crown to a highly successful 2018.
“That is not to say, however, that it is our final acquisition of the year.”
She added: “I have long admired the business that David Giles and the whole team have built.
“Giles Travel is renowned across the industry and has outstanding staff. It is safe to say I am delighted to welcome them to the Gray Dawes Group.”
David Giles, chairman of Giles Travel, added: “Both Gray Dawes and The Giles Group have invested heavily in staff as well as
client facing and back office technology.
“I am very excited by the opportunity to work with Suzanne and her team
“There are so many synergies across the businesses which makes this a very natural fit.
“By being part of the Gray Dawes Group we will be even stronger and able to deliver enhanced opportunities to our staff and clients.”