Gold Medal parent ‘exploring sale’ of four UK businesses

Dnata Travel Group has started a process to “explore strategic options” for four UK-based leisure brands: Gold Medal, Netflights, Travelbag and Travel Republic.

A statement from dnata said: “The move is part of a broader strategic effort to align the group’s portfolio with its long-term business priorities and evolving market dynamics. 

“No decisions have been made regarding the future ownership structure of the businesses.

“The process is at an early stage. All businesses continue to operate as usual, with no disruption to services for our customers and partners.

“Dnata Travel Group remains committed to acting in the best interest of its employees, customers and partners, and will provide updates as appropriate.”

According to Sky News, the group is “exploring a sale” of the four businesses. Consulting firm AlixPartners has been hired to oversee the process, “with a sale the likeliest outcome”.

Collectively, the four businesses account for transactions worth hundreds of millions of pounds annually, added the Sky News report.

Dubai-based dnata is part of the Emirates Group of companies and owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

B2B operator Gold Medal also has trade-facing brands Pure Luxury, Cruise Plus and Incredible Journeys, while Travelbag has a chain of high street agencies. Online brands Netflights and Travel Republic sell packages to consumers.