SPECIALIST cruise agency Paul Mundy Cruising has been bought by the sales and marketing director of its general sales agent division, Edwina Lonsdale, for an undisclosed sum.
Lonsdale is now managing director of both the travel agency and the general sales agent arm – branded separately as The Cruise Portfolio – which have a combined staff of 16 based at a London office.
The co-owners are her husband Matthew Lonsdale, who works in advertising, and Tony Moy, the former owner of Page and Moy, who has a small shareholding. Both will act as consultants.
Former owners Paul and Judith Mundy, who founded the company in 1970, are to stay on as consultants for the next three years.
At present, Paul Mundy runs the travel agency arm while Judith is the company’s book-keeper.
The Cruise Portfolio’s sales manager Joanne Phillips will take over Lonsdale’s old job, but her new title has not yet been confirmed.
The Cruise Portfolio acts as general sales for four cruiselines: Crystal Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, La Compagnie des Iles de Ponant and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
The reservations manager of Paul Mundy Cruising, Diana Mammato, will remain in the same post.
Lonsdale, who has worked at the company for 10 years, said there would be no major changes in its direction or staff, or a change in name for the foreseeable future.