The new owner of ski and activity operator Neilson pledged to work more closely with independent agents after the acquisition was confirmed this week.
In the latest in a string of disposals, Thomas Cook sold Neilson to serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson’s private equity firm Risk Capital Partners for £9.15 million.
When asked if the company would be working with third-party agents, Johnson said: “For certain – that will be part of our future. How we distribute will be a key focus.”
The existing management team of Pete and Pip Tyler will remain with the business.
They will be joined by Richard Bowden-Doyle, former managing director of Thomson Holidays, and David Taylor, former Thomson and Thomas Cook UK finance chief.
Johnson, who is worth an estimated £150 million, is best known for his role in expanding Pizza Express. This is his second deal in travel this year, after Risk acquired a majority stake in Cruise.co.uk in August.
“We like Neilson because it’s involved in active holidays and that’s a segment that has held up well,” he said. “It’s a long‑established brand and it nicely balances winter and summer.”
“Travel will be one of the sectors that will benefit from the recovery.”
Johnson said the Beach Club resorts were strong but Neilson’s ski offering was the part that “needs the most rethinking”.
He said: “We will be looking at shorter breaks as we think non‑skiers want more flexibility.”
Johnson, who also owns the Patisserie Valerie chain, said he expected Neilson to perform better under independent ownership.
“The business will benefit from being standalone. I don’t think it saw an advantage from being part of a giant group like Cook.
“With highly motivated leadership I think we’ll get some extra oomph.”